Pantry Elves Fundraising Campaign
The Pantry Elves campaign is an annual fundraising drive led by local students. Running from late November through December, this online crowdfunding initiative helps the Franklin Food Pantry purchase essential food, personal care items, and household cleaning products for local families facing food insecurity.
How it Works
Middle school, high school, and college students set up personalized fundraising pages to collect online donations from friends and family. It’s an empowering way for youth to make a meaningful local impact while earning community service hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Pantry Elves start?
Pantry Elves was started years ago by two young Franklin residents who went door-to-door collecting donations. It later evolved into leaving purple collection envelopes at neighbors’ doors and mailboxes. Today, the campaign is digital, though Franklin residents may still see purple envelopes in their mail as part of The Pantry’s general Year-End Appeal.
Who can join Pantry Elves?
The program is open to middle school, high school, and college students. We recommend participants be at least 12 years old and have access to a computer to set up their personal fundraising page and email contacts.
Why has the Pantry Elves campaign shifted from door-to-door fundraising to online fundraising?
Pantry Elves fundraising is conducted online to keep our participants safe and eliminate costly printing and material fees. While door-to-door solicitation is no longer part of the program, participants are always welcome to reach out to trusted neighbors, friends, and family with adult supervision.
Do I need to be tech-savvy to volunteer as a Pantry Elf?
No, but you will need access to a computer. Once you sign up for Pantry Elves, our team will send a welcome email containing step-by-step guidance and a direct link to set up, customize, and share your personal fundraising page.
I am too young to join Pantry Elves. What can I do to help The Pantry?
Children younger than 12 can make an impact by hosting a food or fund drive. Check out our Food and Fund Drives page to learn how to get started.
Do Pantry Elves earn community service hours?
Yes. Participants earn community service hours. Certificates detailing completed hours are provided at the end of the campaign in January.
What does my donation to a Pantry Elf do?
100% of your donation goes to the Franklin Food Pantry. Monetary gifts are the most effective way to keep our shelves stocked with what families need most, and provide us the flexibility to purchase high-need items at reduced rates through our partners.
How do I support a Pantry Elf’s campaign with cash or a check?
If a donor prefers to give cash or check, they can hand their donation directly to the Pantry Elf or send it directly to The Pantry. Please make checks payable to Franklin Food Pantry (not the Pantry Elf) and include the Pantry Elf’s name with the donation so they receive credit.
Can I donate food or other items to the Pantry Elves campaign?
No. Pantry Elves collect financial donations, which allow us to purchase high-need items at wholesale prices. If you prefer to donate physical items, please drop off non-perishable, non-expired food, personal care, or cleaning items in the purple bin on our loading dock at 341 W Central St, Franklin, MA. Please be sure to review our donation guidelines.
I received a donation request from a Pantry Elf and a purple envelope in my mailbox. Why am I being asked twice?
Because Pantry Elves runs alongside our official Year-End Appeal, some overlap occurs. We appreciate every level of support and if you receive both, please prioritize giving directly to your Pantry Elf’s online page.
Is my Pantry Elves donation tax-deductible?
Yes. The Franklin Food Pantry is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. If you donate online, a receipt will be sent directly to your email. For check or cash donations, a tax receipt will be mailed to the address provided.
How do I opt out of Franklin Food Pantry mailings?
If you would prefer not to receive physical mail from the Franklin Food Pantry, please email your name and address to info@franklinfoodpantry.org, and we will update your preferences.
Have more questions? Please contact Jen Johnson, Special Events Manager, at Jjohnson@franklinfoodpantry.org or 508-528-3115 x118.