First Annual Cranksgiving Thanksgiving Food Drive cranks wheels to feed the needy

By Tara Vocino

Bread of Life will partner with Bike to the Sea for the First Annual “Cranksgiving” Food Drive on Saturday morning. Volunteers will bike to various grocery stores in Malden to purchase nonperishable and perishable food items to donate to families this Thanksgiving.

“The idea originated from a Bike To Sea member and Bread Of Life friend, Janet Green,” Bread of Life Development Director Patti Kelly said. “The logistics of the event are that they will meet at Bread Of Life along the bike path at 10 a.m. on Saturday.”

Bike riders will then take their bike and go to various grocery stores and pick up food items to donate; they will ride their bikes back to Bread of Life and gather and have pizza inside Bread of Life. Volunteers can also donate $30 cash donations or most needed items: tuna pouches, pasta, rice, soup, mashed potatoes, stuffing, vegetables and ethnic foods.

“It is an important event as Bread Of Life, while always busy throughout the year,” Kelly said, “this is a particularly busier time with the holidays approaching, and the food will serve many families throughout the holiday season and beyond.”

Bike to the Sea Executive Director Jonah Chiarenza said there is something fun for everyone. “Enjoy a bicycle scavenger hunt to Malden’s traditional and ethnic markets in search of a variety of foods to donate to families in need,” Chiarenza said.

Bread of Life Executive Director Gabriela Snyder Stelmack said they see families and senior citizens daily who are having struggles paying for things, like food, medications and housing. “Coming out for the Cranksgiving food drive will directly help your neighbor, which is so meaningful for Thanksgiving,” Stelmack said.