LEOMINSTER — Multigenerational family owned and operated city business Lanza Auto is once again proud to be partnering with the United Way of North Central Massachusetts for their annual spring food drive
The crew at Lanza is collecting nonperishable food items through June 3 that will be donated to Ginny’s Helping Hand and in turn distributed to local families in need. They are grateful for area residents joining them in their efforts to address food insecurity and welcome donations such as grape jelly and peanut butter, pasta and sauce, shelf stable milk and cereal, canned goods, and more to be dropped off at their 1233 Central St. garage
“Every time we do this event, I am always amazed at the generosity of our customers, friends, and family,” said Tim Lanza, who helps run the repairs and maintenance shop open to all makes and models of vehicles that his dad founded over 52 years ago. “We have been one of the largest collection locations for the food drive and it is all thanks to the incredibly generous people connected to Lanza Auto.”
He first connected with United Way of North Central Massachusetts Director of Resource Development Jaclyn Mayo in the spring of 2024 at an event hosted by the Fitchburg headquartered North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce.
“I expressed to her that we were looking for ways to give back to the community, and she felt the food drive was a perfect opportunity,” Lanza said of the woman who has worked with nonprofits throughout Worcester County and Greater Boston. “Food is a basic necessity for all of us, and I feel that those of us with more than enough need to help those who do not have enough.”
When asked why it is important to him and his dad and the staff there to do this meaningful gesture that has now become an annual tradition, Lanza said that “the reason we are able to have a business is because of support from members of our community.”
“I feel like it is our obligation as business owners to do what we can to show support back to community members that need it the most,” he said.
Ginny’s Helping Hand Executive Director Brandon Robbins said they are thankful for community partners like Lanza Auto stepping up to aid them in what his nonprofit organization does for so many in the region.
“At Ginny’s our mission is about offering a hand up to our neighbors and partners like Lanza Auto are what make that possible,” he said. “When a local business opens its doors and rallies the community around a food drive, they’re doing more than filling our shelves; they’re helping us support families during a hard stretch so they can find steady ground again. That’s the heart of a hand up. Tim and his team understand that Leominster takes care of its own, and we’re deeply grateful for their partnership.”
Lanza said they are more than happy to help their fellow community members – a win for everyone all around.
“It is incredibly rewarding for myself and the guys to be a part of giving back,” he said. “We are so grateful for the opportunity to be more deeply involved with the community and facilitate giving back to those who need help just putting food on the table.”
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