Peanut Butter Valentines

Group of students who are collecting Peanut Butter Valentines
Group of students who are collecting Peanut Butter Valentines

Throughout February, Melrose residents are invited to give a special “Valentine” to their neighbors by donating a jar of peanut butter, canned fruit or other currently dated canned good to a A Servant’s Heart Food Pantry as part of the Peanut Butter Valentines citywide food drive.
 
Ten years ago, former Human Rights Commission member Katy Kennedy requested that people add peanut butter into their Valentine’s Day list. The response of Melrose residents willing to match the cost of a jar of peanut butter for a family in need led to a new tradition, and jars have been collected ever since. Melrose High Schools students and the Food Pantry now work together annually, meeting the needs of families throughout a month known for the expression of love and friendship.
 
Throughout the entire month, residents can drop off donations in the Valentines Day boxes located at:

Art in Motion Dance Academy
Dance Track Studio of Wakefield
Tramontozzi Law Offices
Melrose City Hall
Melrose Dance Academy
Melrose High School
Melrose Public Library
Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School
Milano Senior Center
Northern Bank & Trust
Rockland Trust
Roosevelt Elementary School
 
There is much to give and many more that need to receive this February. Peanut butter is the most requested food item from food pantries, shelters and soup kitchens nationwide. However, this desired item is harder and harder to afford. Fortunately, with the help of the people of Melrose and the Peanut Butter Valentines food drive, there is restored hope that more people will be able to consume a protein-filled jar of peanut butter this year and the years to come.
 
This event focuses on peanut butter, but please consider donating any currently dated items such as jelly, Fluff, cereals, coffee and other canned goods, which are all welcomed by the pantry. (At this time, the pantry is not in need of canned beans.)
 
For more information, contact drive coordinators Lauren Abramson and Cian Murphy at melrosepbv@gmail.com or 781-662-7271.
 
Donate
Join Melrose High School students on Saturday, Feb. 24 at Shaw’s Supermarket on Essex Street for a special collection.