Soup cans, boxes of pasta and pancake mix, turnips, and potatoes are stuffed into brown paper bags every week at the Springs Community Food Pantry on Old Stone Highway. The pantry serves approximately 50 families a week and relies on donations from the community to feed those who cannot always afford groceries.
In an effort to raise funds and food for the pantry, Crossroads Music Store is putting on its last Coffeehouse of the winter season. The concert, which will take place this Friday, April 15, at the Springs Community Presbyterian Church, will feature teen bands from local high schools.
“The Coffeehouse is a good way to see young, local talent and help a good cause,” said Michael Clark, owner of the Amagansett music store, who is expecting more than 100 people to attend the 7 p.m. show.
Crossroads has put on a Coffeehouse show every month for the past four winters. This year, the concerts ran from January to April. The Coffeehouse has been successful in the four years it’s been alive.
“Crossroads has consistently provided food and money,” said Dru Raley, a Springs resident and longtime volunteer at the pantry.
Each Coffeehouse takes place at the Springs Community Presbyterian Church, and brings a multitude of music lovers from around the area to support the pantry. The profit made from the $8 admission charge ($5 with a food donation) is given to the pantry, along with any non-perishable food that attendees bring.
This month, students and recent graduates of East Hampton High School, Shelter Island School, Springs School, Ross School, East Hampton Middle School, Pierson High School and Westhampton Beach High School are coming together to put on a show for the community and to help those who cannot afford food staples.
“It’s great to do once a month,” said 14-year-old Jackson Clark, Mr. Clark’s son, whose band, Method2Madness, will be performing on Friday. The young band has played coffeehouses, bar mitzvahs and even Guild Hall, and also has performed at past Crossroads Coffeehouse shows.
“There’s amazing talent at the kid level,” Mr. Clark said. “They can tackle things that Hendrix and Clapton had trouble with.”
The Coffeehouse isn’t the only way to support the Springs Food Pantry, however. Even though the pantry is open to families on Wednesdays, from 4 to 6 p.m., the church is almost always staffed for the intake of donations. There is also a box outside for any non-perishables.
Money donations are the best way to provide consistent meals for pantry-goers, according to Ms. Raley. While food donations are helpful and appreciated, money goes a long way and ensures a good variety of foods from Landmark Food supplier.
Many organizations and businesses contribute to the pantry’s inventory as well. Goldberg’s Famous Bagels on North Main Street frequently donates extra bread products. The East Hampton Rotary Club, the East Hampton Kiwanis, and Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts troops are also frequent donors. “The Food Pantry Farm sponsored by EECO [East End Community Organic] Farm donates 27 bushels of produce a week,” Ms. Raley said.
The pantry has also served more than just food. People have donated coats and warm clothing for the harsh winter weather, and there are also important necessities like toothbrushes, toothpaste and other odds and ends that get placed in bags.
The community determines how much pantry-goers receive for the week. “Everybody’s a cog,” Ms. Raley said. From donations to volunteering at the pantry, people’s generosity can make the difference in whether or not a family has dinner.
The time, effort and donations people give to the pantry directly affects hardworking people who need help. Most Springs residents who use the food pantry are the working poor, according to Ms. Raley.
“There are a lot of local part-time teachers, cops and fire department families,” she said. Even though there are fewer families visiting the pantry than in years past, she added, the ones who come in are in desperate need.
“I enjoy not only the people that work together here, but the people who come in,” Ms. Raley said. “They’re really grateful.”
It’s fair to say the donations collected at Friday’s Crossroads Coffeehouse will improve Springs residents’ lives meal by meal.
“The music community never hesitates,” Mr. Clark said. “Musicians are a different breed, and I’m glad to be a part of it.”
Donations can be made to the Springs Food Pantry at 5 Old Stone Highway, East Hampton, NY 11937. Non-perishable food can be dropped off Wednesdays, from 4 to 6 p.m., or can be put in the bin by the side door of the church.
