Thousands of items have now restocked much needed supplies for Westwood Food Pantry's clients at the successful conclusion of the seventh annual Eddie's Food Drive this April.
Providing meals for others was an important cause to Eddie Thomson, who passed away at the age of six on November 21, 2017. Eddie’s family and supporters continue to honor his memory by organizing the annual drive in his name.
This year, over 3,000 items were collected from Thurston Middle School students and staff, alone, at the location of the drive's biggest haul. The school held theme days tied to specific donation items and created a competition among grades and advisory groups. At the end of the competition, the school's effort closed with "good games," in which students competed with food-themed activities.
Donations were also collected by Downey, Martha Jones, Pine Hill, and Sheehan elementary schools and extended day programs, Westwood High School, town offices, libraries, and local businesses. Westwood Girl Scout troops donated cookies and Westwood Cub Scouts donated tuna casserole kits.
Photo courtesy of Westwood Food Pantry. The food pantry's storage shed was full, following deliveries of donations from Eddie's Food Drive on April 18, 2026.The 38 tuna casserole kits were a new contribution to this annual food drive, assembled by 50 Cub Scouts on April 8. The casserole kits included a recipe with all the ingredients needed, including the tin pan to cook in. Calorie counts and nutrient counts were also provided, along with an explanation of why some ingredients were healthy and how to decrease sodium content if needed. Some of the kits even included gluten-free ingredients.
"Each family was assigned items from a tuna casserole recipe to bring. It was our first time trying something like this, and it was a huge success!" said Amy Amatangelo, who came up with the idea. "We are hoping to make it an annual event! It was a great learning opportunity, and they all had a great time!" she said.
"It was a wonderful project that the scouts learned a lot from, and the food pantry clients also learned something. The kits were a big hit in the pantry!" said Karen Poreda, Westwood Food Pantry board member.
Westwood High School Varsity Boys Lacrosse team helped to sort the donations, and organizers and volunteers dropped off the items to the food pantry on Saturday, April 18.
"The Westwood community truly showed its heart through the incredible support of this year's drive!" said Ms. Poreda in a joint statement with Board Member Mary Ellen LaRose.
Photo courtesy of Westwood Food Pantry. Organizers and volunteers for Eddie's Food Drive (L to R): Larry Shay, Nicholas Shay, Fiona Thomson, Jessica Thomson, Taber Gordon, and Jo Chan.The pantry expressed gratitude to its many helpers. "Together, Westwood is making a meaningful impact and honoring Eddie's legacy in the best possible way," said Ms. Poreda and Ms. LaRose.
Sunny, with a high of 70 and low of 40 degrees. Sunny during the morning, clear in the afternoon and evening,
Great news to wake up to
Congratulations, Erin, a well-deserved victory and a voice we sorely need in our town government.
Congratulation to all👏. It is a welcome out come to see some new faces and voice add to the town government.
This is one of the most up-lifting posts I've read in a while. Thank you for sharing (and inspiring).
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