To the Editor:

FAITH Food Pantry of Newtown, Inc opened its new doors a few weeks ago. It was an honor to be part of such an amazing project. We met and worked with many knowledgeable and generous people. Before the move to our new home, we were located at Tier One on Pecks Lane, which was generously donated by Joseph Young, Mike Iassogua, and Rick Hall of Tier One Real Estate.

Monsignor Robert E. Weiss of St Rose of Lima Parish graciously offered land on St Rose's property for FAITH to construct our new building. Attorney Anne Ragusa, professional engineer Peter Cloudas, Monsignor Weiss, architect John Madzula, and Ben Gershall of Merritt Construction were the team that got the building process started.

FAITH is a nondenominational group without questions or judgment serving Newtown residents. FAITH operates strictly on donations and volunteers. Our new home was built for the residents of our community by the residents of our community. We are grateful for every monetary donation and can of food we receive.

We would like to thank our friends Thomas Pendergast, Joses Lopes, John Moore, Shawn Peckham, and Andy DeWolfe who moved us, not once, but twice. We cannot forget to thank all of our volunteers who help us each week and went above and beyond for a smooth transition.

I am grateful to serve with an amazing board of directors, including Lee Paulsen, president; Joan Brand, secretary; Barbara Krell, treasurer; and William Colbert, vice president of finance. It is wonderful to work with such enthusiastic and dedicated colleagues.

We will be hosting an open house for the community on Sunday, April 29, from 2 to 4 pm. Please feel free to stop in and take a peek.

Jill LeBlanc

Vice President, FAITH Food Panty of Newtown, Inc

6 Oak Ridge Drive, Newtown         April 18, 2018