Autopart International Puts the Brakes on Hunger

, an automotive aftermarket parts business headquartered in Norton since 1957, will be holding its fourth annual company-wide food drive April 30 to May 4.

“At AI we have a long history of putting people and relationships first," said president Jim Durkin. "Supporting one another is a top priority, so the food drive is a natural fit for us. We feel it is important to give back to the communities where we live and work."

The food drive coincides with the company’s participation in Project Bread’s annual Walk for Hunger in Boston May 6. In 2011, Autopart International received recognition from Project Bread for raising over $49,000. The company has been the #1 online team and organization for donations two years in a row.

The food drive and Walk for Hunger are part of an ongoing company-wide commitment to support food pantries and emergency food services in communities where Autopart International’s team members live and work. Donations for the Norton Cupboard of Kindness will be collected at the Corporate Offices in Norton. Over the past 3 years they collected over 5,000 lbs. of food for this local food pantry.

Valerie Goddard, the director of the Norton food pantry, the Cupboard of Kindness, expressed her thanks to Autopart International in an email:

“…WOW we were absolutely thrilled with the food drive you all had for us! I cried. I personally thank you so very much. We will be able to provide so much needed relief to our recipients. There was an array of items, many of which we do not get very often. Thank you to everyone who participated.”

Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger is the oldest continual pledge walk in the country and the largest annual one-day fundraiser to alleviate local hunger. The money that the Autopart International team raises through the Walk will support more than 400 emergency food programs in over 128 communities in Massachusetts.

“AI is proud to work with local food pantries and Project Bread to lend a hand to people in our communities,” said Lauren Beaulieu, director of marketing and drive sponsor.

Autopart International hopes to bring the same success for a fourth year in a row for both the Cupboard of Kindness and Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger. Their company goal is to collect 1,500 lbs. of food for the Cupboard of Kindness and raise $40,000 for the Walk for Hunger.