HAMMOND – The holiday season is notorious for putting people in the mood to give.

But after Dec. 25, once the Christmas tree has been dragged out of the house and the needles cleaned up, the need doesn’t dry up along with the giving spirit.

“We can always use financing; we can always use food; we can always use volunteers,” said Joan V. Hadlock, co-director of the Hammond Food Pantry.

Ms. Hadlock said donations to the food pantry, which serves the communities of Hammond, Morristown and Brier Hill, experiences a drop off of donations after the holiday season.

“I think people are more conscious of [the need to give during the holidays], added Ms. Hadlock.

Harold J. Richard, co-director, said after the holiday season they “work with what we have.”

For Christmas the food pantry expects to feed roughly 125 people said Mr. Richard. After that, donations are needed to build up their supply again. A typical week can see as many as 90 families relying on the food pantry to give them a hand said Ms. Hadlock. Besides giving money to the food pantry or donating non-perishable food, the pantry is always in need of volunteers said Ms. Hadlock.

“We can always use help on the day of the food giveaway,” she said. Volunteers help “get the food out onto the tables” and distribute food to people who need it.

The next distribution day will take place at the Hammond Fire Hall on Jan. 24.

Mr. Richard said the feeling of giving is rewarding in and of itself, “whether you have the ability to give canned food or the ability to give your time.”

The food pantry uses money it receives to help purchase food to stock its selves. Anyone looking to donate money, food or time should contact Ms. Hadlock at 324-5517 or Mr. Richard at 528-4391.

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