CHICOPEE – Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry is currently seeking monetary and non-perishable food donations through ‘Lorraine’s Drive,’ a food drive started by Adam Quenneville of Adam Quenneville Roofing & Siding.

Like many places this year, Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry has been directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Executive Director of Lorraine's, Ruben Reyes, said that he has seen more people in need of food this year than before.

“Lately, we’ve seen families who would not normally come through our doors. We’ve noticed a steady increase in families who are looking for meals.” said Reyes. He also reported that Lorraine’s currently feeds 13 percent of Chicopee residents annually, or 600 families per month. Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry depends on donations and support from the local community.

Adam Quenneville said he heard of Lorraine’s need for donations through a neighbor who volunteers with the Food Pantry. According to his neighbor, Lorraine’s was down on donations and could use some help. He explained it was then that he decided to step up and take action. Twelve years ago Quenneville donated and installed the roof on Lorraine’s, and he noted he felt it was time to contribute again.

“I don’t think I’ve done much since then, so I kind of felt bad and kind of felt obligated to help again. At the end of the day we only have three things that we really need in life: food, water and shelter. I don’t think anybody should be without food. It meant something to me back then and it still does now,” said Quenneville.

Quenneville himself has pledged $5,000 to Lorraine’s through his own sales of roofing, siding, decks and roofing services, and is hoping a company or competitor will match his donation. He also has a box at his store on 160 Old Lyman Rd. in South Hadley for people to bring non-perishable foods Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Money or food can also be given directly to Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry. To donate money online you can visit lorrainessoupkitchen.com and to bring non-perishable food items you can go to 170 Pendexter Ave. in Chicopee. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 31.

Quenneville is hoping to spread the word about Lorraine’s Drive as much as possible through news outlets and social media. He also intends to set up a donation box at his own child’s school in Amherst to try and reach as many communities as possible.

"Right in our backyard, Lorraine’s is in desperate need of food and donations to buy food. Even if it’s a couple of cans you’ve got that you’ve been staring at for a while…You know, food is food when people need it,” he said.

For more information, or to make a business donation you can contact Adam Quenneville at 536-5955 or Ruben Reyes at 592-9528 • Email: ruben@lorrainessoupkitchen.com.

“This is our community,” said Quenneville. “We need to take care of it.”