The combined Papa Gino’s and D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches location on 2899 Cranberry Highway has donated $3,853.81 to Damien’s Place Food Pantry of East Wareham.

“The Wareham community has been showing us love since 1973,” said Deena McKinley. McKinley is Chief Experience Officer at New England Authentic Eats, LLC, the parent company of Papa Gino’s and D’Angelo.

“Community is central to both our brands,” McKinley said, “and we’re happy to celebrate this newly combined restaurant with our Wareham guests while backing Damien’s Place Food Pantry in its mission to end hunger in the area.”

The donation represents 100 percent of the restaurant’s sales on its opening day, Oct. 10. The money will be used to purchase fresh produce for the 220 families served by Damien’s. Along with giving food to those in need, Damien’s promotes awareness of hunger in the Wareham-New Bedford area and provides information about community resources.

The donation comes at a crucial time as the pantry reports seeing a 25 percent increase in the number of households it serves and a 39 percent increase in the cost of food this year. 

“As food insecurity continues to rear its head in our community, this generous donation will allow us to purchase fresh produce for our neighbors in need,” said Pauline Lally, Executive Director of Damien’s Place Food Pantry. “While those who can consistently afford to add these items to their grocery carts may not recognize the impact of this, it can make a world of difference to our guests. We’re excited to put these funds to good use as we work to increase our profile to be able to help even more people in our community.”