Baystate Mary Lane, Baystate Wing Staff Donate to Local Food Pantries

PALMER — During the first two weeks in November, Baystate Mary Lane and Baystate Wing Hospital employees held a food drive to support local food pantries in the region. An estimated 1,300 pounds of items — including non-perishable foods like canned soup, fruits, and vegetables, as well as pasta, rice, and more — were donated and packed in several large boxes to be transported to food pantries in Ware and Palmer.

“There is a real need in many of our communities, and many families struggle with hunger,” said Mike Moran, president and chief administrative officer of Baystate Health’s Eastern Region, which includes Baystate Mary Lane and Baystate Wing Hospital. “We are thankful to our staff for their generosity. Because of them, we are proud to offer help to the Trinity Jubilee Food Cupboard and the Palmer Food Share to help support the hundreds of individuals they serve every year.” 

This year, the employees donated double the amount of food collected last year, said Erin Merriam, director of Human Resources for the Baystate Health Eastern Region. Each year, Merriam and the members of the Employee Engagement team lead several advocacy efforts supported by staff, including the annual food drive, the back-to-school supply drive, and the annual holiday toy drive.

“The 2017 toy drive resulted in over 500 toys and clothing items donated to children and families that faced domestic violence in the towns of Palmer, Ware, Belchertown, Brimfield, Warren, Hardwick, and the Brookfields, once again all because of our very giving staff,” said Merriam, adding that plans for the 2018 Toy Drive is underway.