Calling it a “test run” for the November elections, the Registrars of Voters are partnering with Neighbor to Neighbor to run a food drive during the 151 st State Rep Election.
Drop-Off bins will be located at the three largest polling places where voting is taking place.
Voters can bring non-perishable items with them to North Mianus School, Central Middle School, or North Street School. In the future, more polling places will be added.
“I heard this program was working very successfully in Bristol, CT, and it seemed clear to me that Greenwich residents have the resources and the heart to participate in a similar program,” said Fred
DeCaro III, Registrar of Voters (R) in a release.
Donations of non-perishable items may be placed in a clearly-marked bin at the polling places listed. No cash donations will be accepted.
Neighbor to Neighbor is coordinating the bins and the collection of items.
DeCaro indicated they want to work through any kinks in the system before the big event of the year, the Presidential Election.
“We have more than 30,000 voters at a Presidential Election,” DeCaro said in a release, adding, “Can you imagine what an impact we can have if just half the voters brought a can of soup or a jar of peanut butter to the polls?”
Both DeCaro and his Democratic counterpart, Mary Hegarty point out that no cash will be collected at the event. They said they do not want this to in any way hamper the fundraising efforts of the Girl Scouts and school bands and orchestras who are given permission to sell goodies on election day.
Further, no election workers will be handling any of the donated materials; they will continue to be focused on running fair and efficient elections.
“We want to be very clear that this is a voluntary activity and will not interfere with voting activities or in any way disrupt that process,” Hegarty said.
Those who wish to participate and who vote at North Street, Central Middle School, or North Mianus
School, should bring a non-perishable food item.
A list of the most needed items can be found
on Neighbor to Neighbor’s website, or here.
Voting will be from 6:00AM to 8:00PM on Tuesday, January 21.