Community Corner

Oxford Tavern Food, Toy Drives Running in November, December

Collections will aid East Bay Community Action Programs.

Oxford Tavern is running its food drive again through November to aid East Bay Community Action's food pantries, and they'd like to keep up the momentum of this year's increased donations.

"This year is better," said Alan Manchester, owner of Oxford Tavern. He said the food drive was born last year during a conversation with a few regulars who volunteer with East Bay Community Action. "We started talking one day about giving back to the community," Manchester said. Not long after, their food drive was born.

So far, Manchester said, the food drive has collected about 100 canned and dry goods items for the food pantry service, which operates in three separate locations: East Providence, Newport and Tiverton. They are assisted by local community volunteers, including AmeriCorps members. The pantries are stocked with food donated and purchased from the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, and community donations.

People interested in making a donation can drop food off at the tavern, 446 Waterman Ave., Tuesday through Saturday from 4:30 to 11 p.m.

The food drive ends in December, Manchester said, when they'll start their toy drive, also to benefit East Bay Community Action programs, in partnership with the Ocean State Jeepsters. In December, they'll be collecting children's toys instead of food. 


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