Charlestown Residents Rally, Donate $15,000 To Local Food Pantry

CHARLESTOWN, MA — When organizers canceled Charlestown's 35th Annual Moment Square Halloween because of the pandemic, they could have just skipped doing anything, as 2020 has been a long strange year. But they didn't. In place of the parade and trick-or-treat, organizers used it as an opportunity to think about others.

They led a campaign to raise money for a local food pantry and were delighted with the results.

Dozens of people helped them raise $15,000 Harvest on Vine's food pantry out of St. Mary-St. Catherine.

During October dozens of people donated more than than $15,000 in funds and in-kind contributions as part of the "Eat & Treat” campaign aimed at providing food and supplies to Charlestown residents who are affected by the pandemic.

Included in the food pantry donations were 250 Trick or Treat bags for the children, made by Ruth Gonzalez Vega and her family, which included book markers made by Ann Kelleher and Coloring Book pages organized by Judd Katz, plus crayons, toys and treats, the group said.

"Thank you for keeping the tradition alive," organizers said in a statement." The creative team is already planning Halloween 2021. Seeing all of you will warm our hearts, and remind us why Charlestown is this special town,... a place where common people who come together for the common good, create miracles. May all of you stay healthy and enjoy the simple things."