To the Editor: 

Amid all the strife, fear, and stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are local heroes in our midst!

Friday, March 6, with the word “pandemic” in the air, two Hilltown women realized that, if the school closed down, there were going to be kids that would not have enough food. They posted on Facebook that they were looking for donations to be brought to the Berne Library on Saturday, March 7, and that people in need could stop by and pick up what they could use.

Saturday morning, thanks to the generous people in our Hilltowns, there were boxes of food available overnight. This is what was miraculously accomplished in one day! There are angels in our midst.

Who are these women you may ask. Carrie Needham and Jean Guarino are the women who rose up to the challenge immediately. They learned that the Berne-Knox-Westerlo school was on top of things and that the school was putting a food program together for the kids. Rather than stepping down, these ladies decided, OK, the kids are covered — what about elderly folks and families. 

The Helderberg Lutheran Church, of which Jean is a member, is letting this group now called “Hilltown Hugs” use the church hall to stage all the food donations. Thank you, HLC!

These women, along with volunteers, packed and delivered food to those in need. This was all done by word of mouth!

The group would like to do a special shout-out to the Westerlo Citco and the Stewart’s Company for their ongoing support. They would also like to thank an anonymous individual donor that has been donating a thousand dollars a month for this worthy cause.

The Altamont Fair is also donating fresh veggies from their garden. They also want to thank the Westerlo Reformed Church, Hannaford, the Albany County Sheriff's Office, and Community Caregivers. Last but not least, thanks also goes out to the many generous Hilltown community members who have donated for their neighbors in need!

At the peak of their operation, this group was packing up 40 to 50 bags of food a week and helping an estimated 300 people, no questions asked. We all need a little help now and then! Deliveries were being done through July 6 and now they are open at the church from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday or by appointment.

For any questions, please contact Carrie at 518-275-1568 or Jean at 631-626-5191. Please check out their Facebook page: A Hug from the Hilltowns

JoAnne Brady

East Berne