Croton-Cortlandt Food Pantry recognizes Patrick Caulfield, outstanding volunteer and student

Pictured, left to right: Gunnar Andersen, Katherine Nolan Brown, Patrick Caulfield

(August 31, 2026)

Croton-Harmon High School student Patrick Caulfield was awarded the Croton-Cortlandt Food Pantry’s (CCFP) Certificate of Appreciation, in recognition of his tireless work ethic and endless energy twice a month at the CCFP Saturday distributions. 

CCFP Board Chair Gunnar Anderson said, “It is sometimes easy to overlook the work of an individual when he is working with a group of dependable volunteers, so I am glad that we can recognize how Patrick's steadfast devotion to the pantry stands out from all the others.” 

Twice a month for the last two years, Patrick has devoted his time and energy to CCFP on Saturday mornings, breaking down boxes and overseeing all recycling as volunteers work to support neighbors from around Cortlandt. He has rarely (if ever) missed a shift, and his efficiency and good nature guides his peers and assures the adults around him that he is prepared to handle any box that (quite literally) gets thrown his way. He shines prior to the doors opening, as he works swiftly to support other volunteers in set up and often takes the lead, guiding newcomers through the process. 

Patrick, a CHHS Junior, satisfied his ‘required’ volunteer hours long ago, but continues to enjoy the work, the camaraderie and the support that the CCFP provides to the community. When he graduates, Patrick hopes to attend college and study accounting.

“Wherever Patrick decides to use his strengths, the community will benefit. His attention to detail, focus and dedication will serve him very well in whatever path he chooses.” said Katherine Nolan Brown, Teen Volunteer Coordinator. 

The CCFP Board and Patrick’s fellow student and adult volunteers greatly value the work that Patrick has done, continues to do, and the Board is proud to present Patrick with this honor. He is a valuable asset to the CCFP and to the greater Croton-Cortlandt community.  

Diapers Are a Basic Need. That’s Why We Distribute Them

When people think about a food pantry, they usually picture canned goods and fresh

produce. At the Croton-Cortlandt Food Pantry, we believe that taking care of our

neighbors means looking at the full picture. For families with babies and toddlers, that

picture includes diapers.

Diapers aren’t a luxury. They’re a necessity. A baby can go through 8 to 10 diapers a

day. That adds up to $100 or more every single month. Diapers are considered a

hygiene product, so -- unlike food -- diapers can’t be purchased with SNAP or WIC benefits. For families already facing food insecurity, diaper insecurity compounds their challenges.

The Need in Westchester Is Bigger Than You Might Think

We’re not talking about a small problem. According to data from the Urban Institute, it

would take over 8 million diapers to make sure all low- and moderate-income families in

Westchester County have enough for their infants and toddlers.

The National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) estimates that 1 in 2 families with young

children cannot afford enough diapers to keep their baby clean, dry, and healthy. Babies

left in wet or soiled diapers for too long are more likely to develop painful rashes and

infections.

This can impact parents, too. NDBN also estimates 1 in 4 parents has missed work or

school because they didn’t have enough diapers to drop their child off at childcare.

When a parent can’t go to work because they can’t afford diapers, the whole family

suffers.

How You Can Help

Distributing diapers is one more way we at the Croton-Cortlandt Food Pantry do our best to support our community. Diapers are not something we receive from Feeding

Westchester. We purchase them separately and rely on the generosity of our

community to keep diapers on our shelves. A gift of any size goes directly toward

supporting the Pantry’s efforts, including purchasing diapers for local babies in need.

Please consider donating to the Pantry, either with dollars or with your time as a

volunteer. We are 100% volunteer-led and welcome your support to help make a

difference for local families.