Coming together to create a new St. John’s Food for the Poor Center

Prompted by the growing number of people who turn to the church for food, St. John’s Parish in Worcester recently purchased a 5,500-square foot building adjacent to its parking lot to house St. John’s Food for the Poor Center.

“As part of our 40th anniversary celebration, we’re providing pro bono design services for the Center,” says Mike Pagano, president of Lamoureux Pagano Associates. “And we’ve been joined by several engineering firms who are also contributing their time – Brassard Design Engineering, Bolton & DiMartino, Inc., Seaman Engineering Corp., and ART Engineering Corp. ”

“For many years, St. John’s has provided hot nutritious breakfasts and food packages to individuals and families who are hungry. And it has done this with volunteers working in very cramped quarters,” Mike says. “The new Center will have food preparation and storage areas, as well as dining space for 250 people.”

On October 15, a dazzling array of performers from Hollywood and Broadway took the stage for A Celebrity Gala at The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts. The event, “A Night of Stars”, which was presented by Frank Carroll and Rev. John Madden, was hosted by comedian Norm Crosby and featured introductions by U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern, D-Worcester, and Victoria Kennedy, widow of U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.

To date, $600,000 has been raised – approximately half of the $1.2 million needed to complete the Center. Cash donations, as well as gifts of materials or services, are still needed. Monetary donations can be made at stjohnsfoodforthepoor.org