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Event scheduled for Oct. 26 at Prater’s Barbecue

The Manchester Rotary Club will host the fifth installment of its “Even Better” community fundraising and outreach event from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26 at Prater’s Barbecue in Manchester. The event will serve as a fundraiser for the Storehouse Food Pantry.

In addition to monetary donations, Manchester Rotary will also be collecting nonperishable food items to help keep Storehouse Food Pantry fully stocked as it heads into the holiday season. Food items that will be collected include macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, pasta noodles, spaghetti sauce, canned vegetables, soups and canned meats. Household items will also be collected, including soap, detergent, dish liquid, deodorant, shampoo and toothpaste and toothbrushes.

Staria Davison, president and founder of The Storehouse Food Pantry, 607 Hickerson St., Manchester, said the nonprofit feels fortunate to partner with the Rotary Club for this fundraising and food drive effort.

“It will mean a lot, because hopefully or prayerfully they will collect a lot of canned goods and food that we need during the holidays,” Davison said.

Vice President Laurie Campbell said she is hopeful the partnership with the Manchester Rotary will help make even more people in the community aware of the work being done to address food insecurity in the community by the Storehouse Food Pantry, and what all it takes to do that.

“The Pantry does need the donations to get through the holidays because there is such a demand right now,” Campbell said. “We are still servicing over 250 families a week. For the Rotary to recognize us, it will reach more people to be able to see what the need really is here.”