Messages from the Army of Good To The Cambridge Pantry Volunteers: “Warm wishes to the hard-working volunteers of the Army of Good. Allentown Division,” from Barbara Bigelow.

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Empty shells again, hopefully we can fill some.

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It was bound to happen. We are ready. This weekend, there was a sudden surge of people joining the Pantry and asking for help.

There were the regular customers, including many single women struggling with low-paying jobs and rising prices. And something new – lots of retirees whose Social Security is no longer enough to live on, and a growing number of young families asking for help when their budgets can’t make it through the month.

Sarah said every single one of the unusually high number of 20 items is running out quickly. “The purchase of an item on the wish list would be really helpful,” she said. This is inevitable given the rising costs of just about everything.

For Sarah, that’s a call for help.

Please do what you can. This is not an everyday happening, but I would be dishonest if I didn’t say it will happen from time to time. Food Pantries are losing grants and almost all government support. Book Banks are cutting budgets.

The Pantry was busy and almost overwhelming from the traffic all weekend. Retirees and women with young children were in great need. Their budgets are overwhelmed early. This is happening all over America. Please help if you can.

“We’ve been so busy,” Sarah added, “Everywhere I look today, the wish list items are out or close to it.”

There are no billionaires around Cambridge, the Army of Good idea is that a large number of people can pay small amounts. This can add up to strong support. So far, so good. And thank you.

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These three volunteers move so quickly that I get dizzy. They act like they have been working together for years. They love working with one another, you can see it – Marilyn, Maria, and Terry, the Panday’s Tuesday Flying Squad.

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The items Sarah requested. When she told me the whole list was in need, I suggested we focus on both:

Old Paso Refried Beans (6 Cans), $7.74.

Campbells Chunky Soup, Chili Mack (Case of 8), $17.20.

Campbell’s New England Clam Chowder (Case of 8).

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Here are the items running out; take your pick.

Ben’s Original Rice Jasmine Rice; Canned Mixed Vegetables from Amazon; Campbell’s Chunky Style Chicken Pot Pie’; Campbell’s Chili Mack; Campbell’s New England Clam Chowder; Chef Boyardee Spaghetti and Meatballs; Old El Paso Refried Beans; Amazon Basics Fresh Liquie Hand Soap; Swansom White Premium Chicken Breast With Rib Meat; Star Kist Chunk Light Tuna; Del Monte fresh Cut Sliced Beets; Betty Crocker Chees Garlic Biscuit Mix; Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup, Beef Flawer; Ramen Noodle Soup, Shrimp Flavor; Amazon Basics Absorbent Pads for women; Amazon Brand Mama Bear Size 5 Diapers; Pasta Roni Garlic and Olive Oil Vermicelli Mix; Knor Pasat Sides Cheddar Broccoli; Pasta Roni Garlic Alfredo Fettucine.

Take a look if you can.

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Here is where you can find the Amazon Pantry Wish List

The Amazon Pantry Wish List Can Also Be Found Here. Take Your Pick.

Sarah reads the messages sent by the Army of Good to the Pantry volunteers before each serving. It is so much appreciated.

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You can help the Cambridge Food Pantry at any time, especially this week, by browsing the Amazon Food Wish List, which is continuously updated. Everything on the list is urgently needed. You can access the Food List anytime by clicking any link here or by the green button at the bottom of every blog post.

Some people adopt particular items they see by regularly buying them. Your help makes an enormous difference; you are very much appreciated.

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Feel some Joy in a tense world. There is no joy in hate or haters.

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I see so much struggle in the Pantry; it breaks my heart. And so much joy it lifts it.

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Kim not only greets each visitor but also offers them cookies and snacks, tax-help classes, bathroom access, and food schedules.

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Unloading the order from the Food Bank. Getting smaller.