Osterville "Give & Receive" Campaign Benefits Hyannis Food Pantry

Osterville Merchant sponsored campaign benefits both Hyannis food pantry and shoppers

OSTERVILLE - "'Tis better to give than receive" so the saying goes, but this year Osterville merchants show you can do both as they open up their establishments to the needs of those less fortunate. Now through December 21st, many Osterville merchants are giving customers a 10% discount on special purchases, or serving up
complimentary drinks and other gift items when they bring canned goods to drop off bins in stores and establishments throughout the village. Osterville?s GIVE & RECEIVE campaign is a drive to stock the shelves of the Hyannis Food Pantry with non-perishable food items during the holiday season. All food items collected will be delivered to the Hyannis Food Pantry the week before Christmas.

Osterville's 39th annual Christmas Open House & Stroll will take place Friday and Saturday, December 12 & 13. The Stroll will take place Friday afternoon and will feature an Ecumenical Creche Service at 6pm in front of the Baptist Church. At 6:30pm, following the service, there will be music, a visit with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, trolley rides, children's programs and refreshments. From 5pm to 9pm, Main Street and Wianno Avenue (between West Bay Road and the flagpole by Vintage Flowers) will be closed to vehicles. The fun continues on Saturday with holiday events including a dog parade! See the details here. Photo courtesy of the Osterville Business & Professional Association.

Given the economic crisis that has hit the country, the need is so great, however ?[a] rising tide lifts all boats?, says Ann Rascati, owner of Kindreds Antiques and Folk Art, who is spearheading the food drive. ?The tide is out pretty far right now, but here in Osterville we wanted to find a way to help others at a time when many people will be doing their holiday shopping.? The motivating factor behind the food drive is to offer an enticement that will bring food in the door for the needy. ?As a merchant, it is a simple enough thing to do that can have a huge impact on people?s lives.? So not only can people help the economy by shopping locally, they can be actively involved in the community?s efforts to help those hurting the most in these challenging times.

?The initial outpouring has been tremendous?, says Rascati, whose large woodbin is already nearly filled. ?Customers love the idea and are bringing in full bags of food items rather than just a can or two.? As Rascati locked up her store on one recent evening she discovered 2 bags filled with goods left anonymously just outside her door. ?It filled me with joy to find those bags?this is what it?s all about! This is what all religious traditions celebrate this time of year: shining light into the darkness and spreading joy and hope throughout the world.?

Participating merchants will have a cheerful poster in their windows featuring a tree of canned goods and a specially designated bin set up in each store to accept donations. To take part in the food drive, simply bring canned goods, pasta, rice or jars of food to any participating merchant while doing your holiday shopping to receive your discount or other promotional offer. The suggested minimum donation to receive the discount or gift is the equivalent of two cans of soup or tuna, or two boxes of rice or pasta. No fresh food items, or items with an expiration date please!

Those Osterville merchants participating in the event are:

• Kindreds Antiques and Folk Art
• Mulberry Corners
• Painted Red Nails
• Books-by-the-Sea
• Oyster Island Emporium
• Ferran Cape Home Furnishings
• Upstairs Imports
• Silva Jewelers
• Claire Murray
• Osterville Fine Art Gallery
• Margo?s Home
• Fancy?s Market
• Osterville Sundae News
• Noah?s Wrap

As Bobby Kennedy once said ?One man can make a difference and every man must try?! In Osterville this holiday season, many people are doing just that.

Release courtesy of J.Power & Company.