This letter is in response to David Collins' column, “Connecticut College needs to give back to New London,” (Jan. 8). I am the manager of the New London Area Food Pantry and I feel compelled to defend Connecticut College because they have done much over the last few years to help us out. Their students have come to the pantry every week to help us with government paperwork for our clients and to help with the distribution of food. Several staff members have put in much time helping us to apply for grants and just in the last few weeks they have worked very hard toward getting a grant from the New London City Block Grant program.

The pantry has no paid staff and we rely on volunteers, the United Way, corporate and private donations and government grants to get the emergency food to the people of New London. Connecticut College has been one of the stand-out helpers to the pantry in doing this.

Robert Lavoie

Manager, New London Area Food Pantry

New London