The Goffstown Network met for their Annual Meeting on Tuesday evening, discussing the achievements of 2011 and presenting three important awards to volunteers.
According to Network President Dave Greiner, “2011 was a very, very busy year for us.” Although the program ended fiscal year 2010-2011 with a net increase of nearly $2,000, Greiner pointed out that, “This year we faced three of the busiest months in the history of the Network, especially April due to the rise of fuel costs.”
Stepping into the challenge, the Food Pantry now has six freezers and three fridges. Although the NH Food Bank relocated to a much more distant spot, the Network volunteers continued to make the trip three times a week, emphasizing fresh fruits and vegetables according to USDA standards for proper nutrition. It became apparent during the year that the NH Food Bank was unable to meet the growing needs in the Goffstown and New Boston communities, so the decision was made to switch to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
This switch will likely place an administrative burden on the Network volunteers but, says Greiner, “This change is going to stabilize our finances and better help our clientele.” New volunteers are needed to help re-qualify all the Network participants.
The volunteers currently working with the Network place all their faith in the Goffstown and New Boston communities. Says Doug Doster, a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, “The community is just so incredible!” Greiner agrees, “We have such a great community here and they have been so supportive of us.” It was noted in the Annual Report that all four local schools, many businesses, the Goffstown Library, and dozens of individuals contributed to the Network throughout the year, especially in honor of Roger Sarette.
The first Roger Sarette Award for Youth Volunteer Service was awarded to 2010 GHS Grad Ryan Emerson. “He is a super kid,” says long-time volunteer Richard Wood. Volunteering for over four years, Emerson attends Manchester Community College as an Electrical Technology student, and continues to work at the Network Pantry because, he says, “You feel good about yourself when you do something for someone else.”
The Jack Kilmartin Award for Volunteering Excellence went to Roger Fortier, and the Lloyd Green Humanity Achievement Award went to St. Lawrence Church. Receiving the award for St. Lawrence were Aline and John Perreault and Ann Freeman. “When God is good to you its good to be able to give back. When you can’t give money, you give time,” explained Mrs. Freeman.
The Goffstown Network is actively looking for new volunteers who have a variety of skills. Please email Dave Greiner at dgreiner3115@comcast.net, or call 785-9988 if you would like to get involved.