Firefighters collect food for hungry

EASTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - The Easthampton Fire Department is on a mission of mercy this weekend.

The firefighters are out to stockpile thousands of pounds of food to feed the town's needy people this winter.

These firefighters are stationed outside the Big E market all weekend urging customers to buy and donate certain foods to the town's community center food pantry.

One customer told 22News, the firefighters are doing a fine thing. “Oh yeah, they do it every year. It's great, I think they do a great job and we try and help them out best we can,” said Ed Popielarczyk of Easthampton.

The firefighters hope to collect at least 50,000 pounds of food.

The Food pantry director Robin Bialecki told 22News, this year there are twice as many families who'll need help to avoid going hungry.

Easthampton firefighters will be collecting food again on Sunday.