West Newbury Police are collecting food and toiletries for the town’s first Community Donation Center.
A food drive takes place Saturday, April 8, from 9 to 11 a.m., at the 1910 Building. For the drive, West Newbury Police are asking residents to fill a cruiser with goods to ensure the center is fully stocked. Citizens are encouraged to bring perishable items, as the new center now has a freezer and refrigerator available for storage needs, said Police Chief Arthur Reed.
Organized by Pentucket Regional High School sophomore student Tim Beech as part of his Eagle Scout Project, with assistance from the Friends of the Council on Aging, the center is designed to provide a sustainable location for residents in need to pick up a variety of grocery and household items
“We are always happy and willing to be involved in community initiatives,” Reed said. “The Community Donation Center is going to be a great resource for residents in need and I commend Tim for bringing this idea to life.”
The center will be on the main floor of the 1910 Building, 381 Main St., West Newbury, and open during Town Hall business hours or by appointment through Theresa Woodbury at the Council on Aging. Woodbury can be reached by e-mail at coa@wnewbury.org, or by phone at 978-363-1104.
Leading up to the event, community members may donate items to the West Newbury Police Department, 401 Main St., and the Senior Center, also at the 1910 Building. Both have been designated as drop-off locations for donations.
Food items that are needed include soups, vegetables, pasta, pasta sauce, macaroni and cheese, beef stew and frozen dinners, along with toiletries like paper towels, toilet paper, napkins, shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and cleaning supplies.