Drive seeks food, toiletry items for Operation Stand Down

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Kelly Abbruzzese, who works in the town of Johnston’s Finance Department, and Deputy Tax Collector Bethany Alviano are asking for residents’ help.

Likewise, their colleague Valerie Laurito of the tax assessor’s office, has also issued a town-wide plea for help.

Even Mayor Joseph Polisena is asking “all Johnstonians to please step forward and join this highly-important and necessary drive.”

In short, the food pantry at Operation Stand Down Rhode Island – located at 1010 Hartford Ave., just a short distance from Johnston Town Hall – is “extremely low and in dire need of re-stocking,” according to Abbruzzese.

Laurito noted that Operation Stand Down’s toiletry pantry also needs help, and what’s why the Johnston employees have launched a special drive to fill each of those areas and give a helping hand to veterans in need.

Abbruzzese and Laurito are asking area residents to help restock both pantries at Operation Stand Down as soon as possible.

“We have even reached out to the Johnston Fire and Police departments,” Abbruzzese said. “Members of both those groups fully realize the importance that OSDRI plays in the lives of homeless and needy veterans and have pledged their wholehearted support.”

So, how can other Johnstonians help?

“Real simple,” Abbruzzese said with a smile. “Just bring non-perishable food items and toiletry supplies to Town Hall and leave them in a box that’s been placed in the main lobby. We’ll do the rest and get them to OSDRI officials as soon as possible.”

The list of items needed to re-stock the food pantry’s shelves includes cereal, juice, canned meat, dry and canned soup, canned fruit, oatmeal, rice, applesauce, jelly and jam, canned or instant potatoes, macaroni and cheese, canned dinners, snack items, instant noodles and tomato sauce.

The toiletry pantry’s list includes shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, mouthwash, dental floss, razors, shaving gel, bar soap, cotton swabs and sunscreen.

Johnston Town Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“This drive is extremely important,” Polisena said. “OSDRI needs all those items most people take for granted. Let’s show our veterans how much we really care about them.” 

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