donate

Help The Open Door Raise Hunger Awareness this September

~ todtheopendoor

September is Hunger Action Month™, an annual, nationwide campaign by the Feeding America network to raise awareness and encourage action to reduce food insecurity.  

The Open Door has partnered with several groups to raise awareness about hunger, and share information on how to help support its mission.

The Open Door distributed 2.35 million pounds of food to 11,893 people through its Food Pantries in 2024, meeting a 30% increase in requests for food assistance in 2024 (on top of a 30% increase in 2023), through 100,774 visits. 

Since August 2024, in addition to clients already receiving services, The Open Door has registered 820 new households for services at its Gloucester and Ipswich food pantry locations: An average of 68 new families per month.

HUNGER ACTION MONTH EVENTS:

The Open Door has partnered with several local organizations to raise hunger-awareness this September: 

  • Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga will issue a proclamation naming September Hunger Action Month in the city on Friday, September 12 
  • Thrift the Runway, a fashion show organized by The Open Door Thrift Store, Second Glance, will raise funds for local food assistance programs of the nonprofit on Sunday, September 14 at The Cut in Gloucester. Tickets are available at FOODPANTRY.org 
  • View Gloucester City Hall and the Beauport Hotel lit up orange all month long (orange is the color used to promote hunger awareness) 
  • Watch out for Hunger Action Month themed coasters at 1606 Restaurant & Oyster Bar and the Seaport Grille 
  • Several local businesses are offering special promotions and products this month to raise awareness, including: 
  • Brothers Brew in Rockport will offer an orange themed donut  
  • Cake Ann will offer chocolate orange and creamsicle flavored cupcakes  
  • Turtle Alley will offer chocolate bars embossed with the word “LOVE”  
  • A portion of proceeds will support local hunger-relief programs of The Open Door! 
  • The Gloucester City Council will also wear orange to help raise awareness at their Tuesday, Sept. 9 meeting. 
  • SHOP and DONATE at Second Glance year-round. Revenue at the store raises funds for hunger-relief programs of The Open Door. Free referrals are also given to the community for those who need a little extra help. 

MORE WAYS TO HELP:

  • Donations are the most needed form of support as The Open Door doubles down on core programs and strategizes how to best meet increased need with fewer federal resources available. Donations big and small help move the needle, and can be made as one-time gifts, monthly donations, or annual contributions. Make a donation at FOODPANTRY.org. There are a variety of ways to make a donation, including: 
  • Company matches: many companies will also match donations made by their employees—doubling the impact of your gift. Ask your employer today if such a program exists at your workplace. 
  • Donate through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), Individual Retirement Rollover Gifts, and stocks and securities. 
  • Legacy giving 
  • Sponsor a meal 
  • Donations to Second Glance Thrift Store (make an appointment at FOODPANTRY.org/booknow). Items sold at the store create revenue for The Open Door 
  • In kind goods and services also support The Open Door mission 
  • Volunteers are another critical pillar of help at The Open Door, and provided 26,260 hours of support in 2024. There are a wide range of volunteer opportunities, from packing groceries, to sorting food, to supporting the kitchen, and tagging products for sale at Second Glance. Learn more at FOODPANTRY.org/volunteer 

Members of the community are also invited to wear orange to raise awareness about local food insecurity this September. 

THIS SATURDAY: THE OPEN DOOR THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE

~ todtheopendoor

Donate and help feed local people, right here on Cape Ann, this coming weekend!

WHEN: Saturday, Nov.23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

WHERE: Participating locations include:  

  • Market Basket at 101 Gloucester Crossing Road, Gloucester MA 
  • Stop & Shop at 6 Thatcher Road, Gloucester MA 
  • Shaw’s at 127 Eastern Avenue, Gloucester MA 
  • Shaw’s at 146 High Street, Ipswich MA 
  • Crosby’s Marketplace at 3 Summer Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea MA 
  • Market Basket at 231 Newburyport Turnpike, Rowley MA 

WHAT: The Open Door Thanksgiving Food Drive will have donation locations at six area grocery stores.

Most needed items this year include shelf-stable breakfast foods: cereal, oatmeal, coffee, tea, maple syrup, pancake mix, waffle mix, 100% fruit juice, and granola bars. The Open Door asks people to please avoid donating anything in a glass container.  

The Open Door is also holding a Clothing Donation Drive in conjunction with the Thanksgiving Food Drive. Those that wish to donate gently used clothing at The Open Door’s thrift store, Second Glance, can drop donations off without an appointment from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 2 Pond Road, Gloucester MA. Clothing sold at the store helps raise revenue for The Open Door’s hunger-relief programs. 

NEED HELP SETTING THE TABLE FOR THANKSGIVING AND THE DECEMBER HOLIDAYS?

The Open Door has free Holiday Meal Baskets available for local people who need a little extra help setting the table. Order yours today at FOODPANTRY.org. 

Each Holiday Meal Basket includes a turkey (or a special diet alternative) and all the fixings for Thanksgiving dinner. For December, hams will be available.

Want to learn more or donate to help feed our neighbors through the holidays and beyond? Visit FOODPANTRY.org. 

Second Glance Now Open for Shopping on TUESDAYS!

~ todtheopendoor

Second Glance, Thrift Store of The Open Door, has added an extra day of shopping! Starting on TUESDAY MAY 21 Second Glance will now be open for shopping Tuesday – Saturday from 9AM – 5PM at 2 Pond Road, Gloucester MA 01930.

Donation appointments can be made at FOODPANTRY.org/booknow and are available Monday – Saturday. Same-day appointments often available.

Revenue at Second Glance helps support hunger-relief programs of The Open Door. Learn more at FOODPANTRY.org

THIS SATURDAY: HELP STAMP OUT HUNGER!

~ todtheopendoor

Support the National Association of Letter Carriers’ (NALC) annual, nationwide Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive this Saturday!

Locally, NALC Branch 25 post offices participating in the food drive include the Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Ipswich post offices. People in those communities can leave non-perishable food donations by their mailbox on the morning of Saturday, May 11. Letter carriers will deliver the donations to The Open Door to help feed local people.

 The Open Door asks participants to please NOT  donate anything in a glass jar. 

The Open Door is specifically requesting donations of the following: coffee, condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and salad dressings), peanut butter, tuna, and cooking oil.  

Those who live outside the above four communities are encouraged to contact their post office to learn if they are participating in the Stamp Out Hunger food drive. 

This Saturday: Support The Open Door Thanksgiving Food Drive

~ todtheopendoor

The Open Door Thanksgiving Food Drive is this Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Donate and help stock the shelves at The Open Door to feed local people through the holidays and beyond. Participating locations include:   

  • Market Basket at 101 Gloucester Crossing Road, Gloucester MA 
  • Stop & Shop at 6 Thatcher Road, Gloucester MA 
  • Shaw’s at 127 Eastern Avenue, Gloucester MA 
  • Shaw’s at 146 High Street, Ipswich MA 
  • Crosby’s Marketplace at 3 Summer Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea MA 
  • Market Basket at 231 Newburyport Turnpike, Rowley MA 
  • NEW THIS YEAR: Clothing Donation Drive at Second Glance at 2 Pond Road, Gloucester MA. No appointment needed, November 18 only.  Clothing donations at Second Glance, Thrift Store of The Open Door, help raise revenue for local hunger-relief programs 

“The Thanksgiving Food Drive is more than just a collection of food. It’s an act of kindness given by a community that cares,” President and CEO Julie LaFontaine said. “Donating an extra couple boxes of your favorite breakfast cereal, pancake mix, or a can of coffee is one tangible way to establish traditions of gratitude and show support for our neighbors not only at the holidays but in the tough winter months ahead.” 

Instead of holiday fixings which have already been secured for the Thanksgiving Baskets, The Open Door is encouraging items of shelf-stable breakfast foods this year, including cereal, oatmeal, coffee, tea, maple syrup, pancake mix, waffle mix, 100% fruit juice, and granola bars. Donors are asked to please avoid donating anything in a glass container.  

Already in 2023, The Open Door has seen more than a 28% increase in visits to its food pantries over 2022. The nonprofit’s kitchen also prepares approximately 3,000 meals each week.  

The Open Door will also be accepting clothing donations only at its thrift store, Second Glance, with no appointment needed on Saturday, Nov. 18. Donations at Second Glance help raise revenue for hunger-relief programs of The Open Door.  

Turkey for Every Table 

Also on Saturday, Nov. 18, The Open Door kicks off its Holiday Basket program. Hundreds of local people will pick-up everything they need to make a special Thanksgiving meal at home, at no cost, at a drive-thru on Emerson Avenue. Holiday Baskets will continue to be distributed by The Open Door right up until the day before Thanksgiving. Holiday Baskets are also available for the December holidays.  

Plenty of Holiday Baskets are available, with a turkey and all the fixings, and can be picked-up by appointment. Many pick-up slots are also available. Sign up today for a Holiday Basket for Thanksgiving and December at FOODPANTRY.org.  

Members of the community who wish to make a monetary donation to help feed local people through the holidays and beyond can do so at FOODPANTRY.org/donate.  

Host a Food Drive for The Open Door this Holiday Season

~ todtheopendoor

Autumn is here, and along with apples and pumpkin spice, it’s time for The Open Door to start preparing for the holidays. The Open Door has seen a 28% increase in the number of requests for food assistance this year at its Food Pantries alone.

Want to help? Please consider hosting a collection site at your workplace, school, place of faith, or other organization for the Thanksgiving Food Drive (November 1-18) to stock the shelves. 

With your support, we can make sure our neighbors have good food for the holidays and beyond.

Life happens. We can help.

Visit FOODPANTRY.org/fooddrive for The Open Door’s Food Drive Toolkit, complete with:

Flyer Template

Facebook Graphics

Instagram Graphics

Tips for a Successful Food Drive

and more!

Please also your group’s collection site here, so that we can schedule a pick-up for your donation.

THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE: Saturday November 18

You can also donate food at The Open Door’s Thanksgiving Food Drive collection sites on Saturday November 18 from 9 a.m to 3 p.m.! Participating sites that day include:

Market Basket
101 Gloucester Crossing Road, Gloucester
Stop & Shop
6 Thatcher Road, Gloucester
Shaw’s
127 Eastern Avenue, Gloucester
Shaw’s
146 High Street, Ipswich
Crosby’s Marketplace
3 Summer Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea
Market Basket
231 Newburyport Turnpike, Rowley

A no-appointment needed clothing drive will also be held on Saturday November 18 at Second Glance (2 Pond Road, Gloucester MA).

THANK YOU!

The Open Door Autumn Breakfast 2023

~ todtheopendoor

Life happens. The Open Door can help! Tickets are available NOW for The Open Door Autumn Breakfast on WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 11 from 7:30 to 9:00 A.M. at the Beauport Hotel (55 Commercial Street, Gloucester MA). CLICK HERE to purchase tickets today. Limited spots available.

Each year, The Open Door Autumn Breakfast kicks off the holiday giving season and raises funds for Holiday Meal baskets (and beyond). Each basket provides local people with all the ingredients they will need to make a special meal, and Holiday Baskets are available for BOTH Thanksgiving and the winter holidays.

Autumn Breakfast also honors outstanding volunteers and community partners who have gone above and beyond to connect local people to good food. Learn more at FOODPANTRY.org

THIS WEEKEND: Pop-Up Clothing Drive at Second Glance to Support Hunger-Relief 

~ todtheopendoor

Clean out your closet and donate seamlessly at the pop-up clothing drive this weekend at Second Glance!

THIS WEEKEND ONLY: no appointments will be needed to make a clothing ONLY donation during business hours.  

WHEN: Saturday, July 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 23 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

WHERE: Second Glance, thrift store of The Open Door at 2 Pond Road, Gloucester MA 

WHAT: Second Glance will be accepting donations of clean, gently worn, unripped clothing.  

Men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing for all seasons will be accepted.  

Donations at Second Glance help generate revenue for hunger-relief programs of The Open Door, which serves 1 in 6 Gloucester residents. 

In 2022, The Open Door helped stabilize the lives and health of 8,486 people from 4,872 households through the distribution of 1.78 million pounds of food. 

Donations of clothes at Second Glance also offer a more sustainable, environmentally friendlier way to give old threads a second life. In 2022, the store recycled more than 87 tons of materials.  

Questions? Call Second Glance at 978-283-4298. 

Help Stamp Out Hunger this Saturday!

~ todtheopendoor

Make a donation this weekend without leaving home!

Residents of Gloucester, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport: please leave non-perishable, unexpired food donations in a bag by your mailbox this Saturday to be delivered by your local letter carrier to The Open Door!

PLEASE, NO GLASS!

MOST NEEED ITEMS:

  • Coffee
  • Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, and salad dressings)
  • Cooking oil
  • Peanut butter
  • Tuna

IF you live outside the above communities, please contact your local post office to learn if they will be participating in the National Association of Letter Carrier’s Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive this year.

Thank you! Your support helps stock the shelves and connect local people to the food they need to thrive.

In 2022, The Open Door helped stabilize the lives and health of 8,486 people from 4,872 households through the distribution of 1.78 million pounds of food.

More information about The Open Door and its programs available at FOODPANTRY.org

This Weekend: Stamp Out Hunger Cape Ann & Ipswich!

~ todtheopendoor

Donate food without having to leave your front yard this weekend through Stamp Out Hunger!

If you live in Gloucester, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, or Rockport, you can help put food on the table for people in your community by leaving a bag of food donations by your mailbox on the morning of SATURDAY MAY 14. Donations will be transported to The Open Door by your local letter carrier.

Stamp Out Hunger is an annual Food Drive organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers.

Most needed items include: coffee, condiments, cooking oil, peanut butter, and tuna.

Please, no glass containers!

“Stamp Out Hunger is a unique opportunity for members of the community to make a food donation, without having to leave their front yard. It’s traditionally a hugely successful food drive for us, and it’s all possible because our local letter carriers are willing to go the extra mile to put food on the table for others,” President and CEO Julie LaFontaine said. “We’re deeply thankful to partner with them on this event and for their dedication to alleviating the impact of hunger locally.”

The Open Door is also seeking volunteers to sort donations on Saturday, and those interested in volunteering may email volunteer@foodpantry.org.

“This is the largest single day food drive in the United States,” said Bruce Johnson, a retired Gloucester letter carrier who continues to help coordinate NALC Branch 25’s Stamp Out Hunger food drive on Cape Ann. “The timing is crucial because food pantries can face shortages in the spring and summer months after a long winter, and most school programs are not available in the summer. It’s a good time to fill the shelves at the food pantries.”

If you live outside the above communities, contact your local post office to learn if they are participating in Stamp Out Hunger.

More information about The Open Door is available at FOODPANTRY.org.