SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Several food banks and pantries across Western Massachusetts received a $100,000 donation from PeoplesBank on Thursday as they prepare for increased demand during the holiday season.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services pantry in Springfield was among 18 groups receiving donations from the bank.  The pantry is experiencing a 30 percent increase in shoppers and participants.  Pantry manager Lenise Williams said the facility faces specific shortages as Thanksgiving approaches.  “The biggest need, right now, that we’re seeing in this shortage is meats. That’s a huge problem,” she explained. “Right now, we’re working on Thanksgiving. The big need right now, unbelievably, is desserts.”

Williams has lived in Springfield all her life and entered her role as pantry manager just a few years ago.  She works to spread that love and laughter throughout the Springfield community.  “A lot of the things I see here are people are terrified, they’re embarrassed,” she noted.  “We try, me and my staff try, to make them as welcome as possible because it’s a need for the pantry and the community. We’re here to help you.  Please don’t feel embarrassed.”

Matt Bannister, senior vice president of corporate responsibility at PeoplesBank, said the timing of the donation aims to address urgent community needs.  “We want to get the food in people’s hands as quickly as we can,” he explained.  “This is the time heading into the holiday season that people really need the importance of food and the comfort of knowing the community cares for them.”

Shannon Rudder, president and CEO of the Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services pantry, said the donation supports the organization’s goal of building purposeful partnerships.  “It means that we’re not alone in providing the service, it means that we see our neighbors who are so deserving of life’s basic needs,” Rudder said.

Williams encouraged community members to seek assistance when needed.  “Please come to us and we will help you get through this,” Williams said.

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