To keep local food pantries stocked as the holidays near, the Rhode Island Foundation is matching every donation the public makes to Trinity Rep during the 2024 run of “A Christmas Carol” with an equal grant to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, up to a total of $75,000.
The goal is to keep the Food Bank warehouse stocked with groceries for local member agencies like the St. Peter by the Sea Community Market Pantry on Central Street, the Community Baptist Church Meal Site on Dr. Marcus Wheatland Boulevard, the East Bay Community Action Newport Pantry on Broadway, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center Meal Site and Food Pantry on Dr. Marcus Wheatland Boulevard and the Salvation Army Newport Corps’ Food Pantry on Memorial Boulevard.
“Nothing could be more appropriate at this time of the year than to kindle the giving spirit that glows in this timeless story and in the hearts of Rhode Islanders. Inspiring neighbors to help neighbors in need is the true heart of our philanthropic work,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO.
The public can trigger matching grants to the Food Bank by contributing to Trinity Rep online at trinityrep.com/match or by texting SCROOGE to 44-321. Through this philanthropic challenge, their donations will not only benefit Trinity Rep’s artistic, educational and community programs, but also food insecure Rhode Islanders who turn to the Food Bank’s network of neighborhood food pantries and meal sites for help.
“Our partnership with the Rhode Island Community Food Bank is one of the traditions that make the holiday season so special for Trinity Rep,” said Artistic Director Curt Columbus. “This year, with the wonderful support of the Rhode Island Foundation, our production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ brings even more joy, knowing that Scrooge’s story of transformation will inspire kindness and generosity throughout our community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joins us in caring for our neighbors in need.”
The matching grant challenge comes at a time when a growing number of Rhode Islanders are facing food insecurity due to the high cost of food, housing, utilities and transportation. In the last twelve months, the Food Bank’s network of 147 member agencies has served nearly 83,000 people every month, more than ever before.
“We are so grateful for this partnership with the Rhode Island Foundation and Trinity Rep,” said Food Bank CEO Andrew Schiff. “It’s exciting to see these nonprofits come together in the spirit of ‘A Christmas Carol’ when so many in our community are experiencing food insecurity.”
Due to planned renovations of Trinity Rep’s facility, “A Christmas Carol” has moved from Trinity Rep’s 500-seat Chace Theater to the Providence Performing Arts Center. The play will run until Dec. 29. Information is available at trinityrep.com/carol.
