Danvers teen’s 10th ‘Grace Gives Back’ drive delivers 6,156 items to People to People Food Pantry

Grace Burnett, a freshman at Danvers High School, told the Danvers Human Rights and Inclusion Committee on Nov. 20 that her decade-running food drive, Grace Gives Back, collected 6,156 items this year, surpassing a 4,000-item goal and contributing to more than 20,000 items she says she has collected over time.

"This was my tenth year running the drive and truly the most incredible yet," Grace said, describing an Amazon wish list the drive uses for direct deliveries to her home and a local collection bin for hand donations. She urged community members to volunteer, donate or spread the word and provided the drive’s Facebook page as a contact point for donations and questions.

Paul Brown, who identified himself at the meeting as a board member associated with the pantry, described the People to People Food Pantry’s long history and rising demand. Brown said the pantry began the year with about 473 registered families and now serves more than 600 families, roughly 1,400 individuals, including seniors and children. He told the committee the pantry distributes about 15,000 pounds of food each month and relies on a combination of donated goods and purchases through the Greater Boston Food Bank to stretch cash donations.

Brown highlighted local partners who support operations: Stop & Shop provides discounted produce and frequent donations; a local dealer and volunteers provide truck delivery for large monthly food shipments from the Greater Boston Food Bank; and many local churches, schools and town departments assist with collection and storage. He said the pantry is all-volunteer, with over 35 regular volunteers, some of whom have served for decades.

Committee members praised Grace’s leadership and asked how to donate. Grace said her Facebook page 'Grace Gives Back' lists the Amazon wish list and address for in-person donations. Brown said financial gifts can be made by check to the community organization that oversees the pantry and provided a mailing address at the meeting.

The committee and attendees framed the drive and pantry work in the context of rising food insecurity and recent cuts to SNAP benefits; speakers urged community support through both food and financial donations. The meeting closed the public comment item after additional offers of volunteer help and follow-up questions about pantry needs.

How to help: Grace directed people to the Grace Gives Back Facebook page for the Amazon wish list and contact information; the pantry accepts both food and financial donations.