Summer Concert Food Drive

Concertgoers at two upcoming Windsor Concerts on the Green are encouraged to bring nonperishable food to donate to the Windsor Food & Fuel Bank and the Windsor Pet Food Pantry at the Windsor Animal Shelter. Food collections for people and for pets will be held on the Windsor Town Hall lawn on Broad St., during two of the free concert series presented by First Town Downtown

On Thursday, July 31, the 102d Army Band will perform from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Stationed in Rockville, Conn., it is the official musical emissary for the Connecticut Army National Guard.

(Rain date is the Tuesday after)

On Thursday, August 28, Avenue Groove will take the stage from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

This Connecticut band consists of six talented musicians playing R&B, Funk and Dance Music.

(Rain date is the Tuesday after)

Both collections are coordinated by Windsor residents Joyce and Dick Armstrong, who have sponsored food drives at the summer concert series for the past three years. “We all know that hunger does not take a summer vacation, and there are many Windsor residents who need some help right now,” explains Joyce Armstrong, a member of the Windsor Food & Fuel Bank’s volunteer-run Board. “Dick and I have learned that if we make it really easy for people to bring food items to a free concert, then many of our neighbors come forward to help.”

“We hope that the concert attendance will be large…and generous,” says Dick Armstrong, Joyce’s husband. “Windsor Food & Fuel Bank volunteers will be on hand at tables near the stage to accept donations of items and monetary funds for these organizations.”

The Windsor Food & Fuel Bank’s most needed food items include peanut butter and jelly, spaghetti sauce & pasta, macaroni and cheese, canned meats, crackers, cereal, baked beans, canned vegetables, canned fruit, fruit juice, coffee, tea and hot chocolate, and condiments such as ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. The nonprofit organization also seeks personal care items such as paper towels, facial tissues, toilet paper, diapers, and baby wipes. Dry and wet cat/dog food, and cat/dog treats are also welcome.

The Windsor Food and Fuel Bank, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in 1967 as the Windsor Community Service Council (WCSC). The all-volunteer Board, along with our partners at Windsor Social Services, works to accomplish our Mission of assuring that no Windsor resident is hungry, cold, or without basic necessities. The generosity of local individuals, businesses, civic and religious organizations provides for 95 percent of the WF&FB’s annual operating budget. If you are a Windsor resident and not a current client of the Windsor Food & Fuel Bank but find yourself in need of food assistance, call the Windsor Social Services office at 860-285-1839, Mondays through Fridays. Information is also available at www.townofwindsorct.com/social-services and at www.windsorfoodbank.org.