Tap-In recently received a generous donation from the Shaw’s and Star Market Foundation from their “Help Feed Families During the Crisis Fundraiser” to fight hunger during the COVID 19 crisis and beyond. The funds came through Shaw’s “Nourishing Neighbors Community Relief Initiative” which was established to help local families impacted by the current pandemic.

“Once again during this past holiday season, Shaw’s and its Barrington customers showed their generosity,” said Tap-In President Tirza Rivera-Cira. “Through the Fundraiser, customers at check-out chose to donate $5, $10 or $15 to the cause. Tap-In (Touch a Person in Need) is extremely pleased to be the recipient of $11,450 in food gift cards from this drive which will go directly to East Bay families in need.”

Shaw’s Barrington Store Director Karen Medeiros presented this donation to Tap-In recently, saying, “It is an honor to support Tap-In’s work because they are on the hunger relief front line. Shaw’s supports Tap-In because we recognize their volunteers’ passion, energy and commitment in helping persons in need.”

Ms. Rivera-Cira said Tap-In was very grateful for the Shaw’s donation.

“Even in these uncertain times, the Barrington community continues to count on the strong support of our local Shaw’s and its community-minded Store Director, Karen Medeiros,” said Ms. Rivera-Cira. “This generous donation will help Tap-In sustain our programs to address food insecurity and economic hardship in the East Bay.

“Last year Tap-In served a total of 8,354 total individuals and distributed 92,328 pounds of food (46 tons) among 1,020 East Bay families in need, and in 2021, we hope to be able to help even more”.

“Store Director Karen Medeiros and her Associates have shown constant leadership in helping Tap-In achieve its mission,” added Tap-In’s Debbie Thurston. “This donation comes just as we are designing new programs to further serve our clients' needs. Soon we will install refrigeration equipment, and will be able to stock more products that better meet our clients' health and nutritional needs. The ability to also provide gift cards is an incredible bonus!”