Dartmouth Youth Soccer teams up for food drive
May 23, 2020
Volunteers place a meal box in a car at the DYSA’s first Grab and Go event on May 23. Photos by: Christopher Shea
DYSA president Bob Long grabs some milk he will keep refrigerated before handing them out.
Volunteers meet before the event begins.
Lyn Dillies tries to get the attention of passing vehicles.
The Dartmouth Youth Soccer Association had to suspend all of its activities during the pandemic — but that hasn’t stopped the organization from finding ways to bring the community together.
In conjunction with Dartmouth United Outreach, the group distributed dozens of free meals during a “Grab and Go” event on May 23.
DYSA President, Bob Long said it was important for the organization to step up and help those who need it most during this time.
“If someone is in need, we’re not going to question them,” he said.
Over the course of the event, 30 cars showed up to pick up bags filled with soup, mac and cheese, produce, milk and frozen chicken.
“Is there any prime rib?” one passerby joked.
Many cars drove by the facility on Russells Mills Road during the event. Most honked to show support. Others turned around and stopped in to pick up food for neighbors who are unable to go outside.
Diane Morency, who is diabetic, said she was glad she could get some food while reducing the risk of contamination. “Going to the supermarket gives me wicked anxiety,” she said. “This helped alleviate a lot of that.”
Lyn Dillies, a coordinator with Dartmouth United Outreach, said that she and other volunteers, spent the night before bagging 170 meals. She said her organization regularly distributes more than 300 meals per week, often to the town’s senior living complexes.
“By the time we really get our act together, then the pandemic will be gone,” Dillies joked. “I’ve become something of a professional shopper.”
DYSA Secretary Joe Santos said the organization plans to do another outdoor grab-and-go program in June, assuming the organization gets enough monetary donations from local businesses and individuals through the DYSA’s website.
During the pandemic, he said, the organization is keeping in touch with families and children through events such as a banner contest for kids and a video to help practice their soccer skills to a parody of the song “YMCA” aptly named “DYSA.”
“We have a great team of people here, and it shows,” he said.
