October 29, 2025 - As Thanksgiving approaches, the Hancock Rotary Club, NBT Bank and Strength Brokerage LLC are joining forces to ensure that no local family goes hungry this holiday season. Their joint initiative, “Bags for Food Pantry,” invites Hancock residents to help restock the shelves of the Loaves & Fishes Food Bank by donating bags of non-perishable food items.
From October 10 through November 26, residents can drop off filled brown paper grocery bags at Strength Brokerage, located at 65 West Front Street Extension, Hancock, NY 13783. In a generous show of community spirit, Strength Brokerage will also donate $5 for every full bag of food collected, amplifying the impact of each contribution.
“The need is very real this year,” said Hancock Town Supervisor Jerry Vernold, who was photographed by staff personally dropping off food at the food drive this week. “As colder weather sets in and our local industries like lumber and tourism slow down for the season, some families struggle to make ends meet. It’s vital that we come together to feed our local residents and keep our children safe from hunger — no one in Hancock should go without.”
The partnership between Strength Brokerage and the Hancock Rotary Club highlights the ongoing collaboration between local businesses, civic leaders, and nonprofits in the region. Both organizations are long-standing supporters of community development and charitable outreach, ensuring that Hancock’s small-town values continue to thrive.
Residents are encouraged to contribute non-perishable items such as canned goods, pasta, rice, peanut butter, and cereal. Every donation directly supports local families and helps strengthen the safety net that keeps Hancock’s community strong and resilient.
For more information, visit https://www.hancockny.org/article/2502586 for details.
