Hi North Takoma,
I wrote last week to tell you about the Cluster Food Support work being done to
help our neediest neighbors. Here's some great news about that effort from the
organizers:
We are happy to share some news about a new name for the Takoma Park Middle
School Cluster Food Support Effort. We will now be known as Tommy's Pantry, in
honor of the late Tommy Raskin.
Tommy was an extraordinary example of kindness, grace, generosity, and humility
and grew into the incredible human he was right here in Takoma Park. Tommy's
spirit will carry on in many ways, including in this work where neighbors look
out for one another and human dignity is a guiding principle.
Over the course of the past 16 months, our work has evolved to best meet the
needs of the families we serve. Some of you joined us on Tommy's birthday in
January where we distributed healthcare items for the first time. These bags,
in addition to the boxes of shelf stable food, bring joy, comfort, and relief
to so many in our community. The preparation of these bags and boxes has also
opened many people's eyes to the need that has long existed here in TP, and the
power of supporting your neighbor. Families from all walks of life have joined
our effort, and as a result, a community where residents feel seen and
supported, even in their darkest hour, has emerged. This, we can only guess,
would have made Tommy Raskin proud.
We hope you'll continue to stand alongside us, by volunteering or donating, as
we honor Tommy and his family in this work.
Sincerely,
Wendy Kent
Pantry Coordinator
Sarah Goupell
Piney Branch Elementary School
PTA Food Support Coordinator
Meghan Holland McDonald
Takoma Park Elementary School
PTA Food Support Coordinator
Kathleen Bartels
East Silver Spring Elementary School
PTA Food Support Coordinator
Fred Azcarate
Takoma Park Middle School
PTA President 2020-2021
Adrienne Tilton
Takoma Park Middle School
PTA, TPMS Paraeducator
Bryan Goehring
TPMS Difference Makers
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