The Crisis: The Ecumenical Community Food Pantry of Norwood serves over 250 families in Norwood and Westwood, Massachusetts and has an all volunteer staff of over 100 youth and adults. For many years, the Pantry has stored its inventory at St. George Roman Catholic Church in South Norwood. The recent closing of this parish has left the Food Pantry without its primary food storage facility. The Building Plan: Grace Episcopal Church is graciously providing land to house a new permanent storage facility for the Pantry. The Pantry must now raise approximately $150,000 to build and equip this structure. Project Ironman: On July 24, 2005, I will be competing in Ironman USA in Lake Placid, NY. The Ironman is a one-day race consisting of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike and a 26.2 mile run. In conjunction with the Janus Charity Challenge, I am using my participation in this race to increase awareness of the Pantry’s urgent need and to help the Pantry raise the funds it requires. You can help: Pledge your support for a quarter or a dollar per mile. Encourage others to do the same. You can donate online (below) or offline by sending a check to Norwood Food Pantry attn: Ruth Taeger 150 Chapel St Norwood MA 02062 Please write "ironman" in the memo line. With a little help... "We Can Build It!!"

For more information about the Pantry, the building project, the Ironman or my training; or to download a poster, please visit:

Thanks, Russell K. Jackson