Published February 15, 2019
MELROSE — Throughout February, Melrose residents are invited to give a special “valentine” to their neighbors by donating a jar of peanut butter or other currently dated canned good to A Servant’s Heart Food Pantry as part of the Peanut Butter Valentines city-wide food drive.
Approximately 10 years ago, former Human Rights Commission member Katy Kennedy requested that people add peanut butter onto their Valentine’s Day list. The response of Melrose residents willing to match the cost of a jar of peanut butter for a family in need led to a new tradition, and jars have been collected ever since. Melrose High Schools students and the Food Pantry now work together annually, meeting the needs of families throughout a month known for the expression of love and friendship.
Throughout the entire month of February, residents can drop off donations in the Valentine’s Day boxes located at our partner organizations:
● Art in Motion Dance Academy
● Dance Track Studio of Wakefield
● Madonna Queen of the Universe Shrine
● Melrose City Hall
● Melrose Dance Academy
● Melrose High School
● Melrose Public Library
● Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School
● Melrose YMCA
● Milano Senior Center
● Movement Dance Studio
● Northern Bank & Trust
● Rockland Trust
● Roosevelt Elementary School
● Tramontozzi Law Offices
● Whole Foods Market
This event focuses on peanut butter, but please consider donating other items; in particular, the pantry is in need of jelly, cereals, beef stew, canned meats (although not tunafish), mayonnaise, ketchup, cooking oils and other nut butters. Join Melrose High School students on Saturday, February 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Shaw’s Supermarket on Essex Street for a special collection.
Please consider helping out our neighbors in need and support the food drive. For more information, contact drive coordinators Lauren Abramson and Cian Murphy at melrosepbv@gmail.com. Thank you.
