Not too late for tuna, food drive organizers hope to hook more donors

By Jonah Frangiosa | jfrangiosa@eagletribune.com Jul 18, 2025

HAVERHILL — There’s not enough fish in the tank, said Dee O’Neil, as her food drive swims past the midway point.

But, the month is far from over, and she’s calling on Haverhill residents to start digging through their cupboards—for the sake of those facing hunger.

The city is more than two weeks into the third annual “Tuna in July” food drive, collecting cans of the saltwater fish by the shelf-full. It’s a grassroots initiative that runs from July 1 to 31, organized by local nonprofit 411 Cares.

Stock donation bins with protein-packed pantry items, all with one goal in mind: to provide relief and dignity to neighbors facing food insecurity.

411 Cares intends to collect 2,000 cans to support their services, and the rest will be distributed to food pantries through the greater Haverhill area.

“Food insecurity is no joke, but the way this community shows up—it’s inspiring and heartwarming. Our organization is community-based and operated; our citizens have always come to our aid on every mission,” O’Neil said.

She said they’re coming off a successful sophomore event, reeling in 7,600 cans last year—smashing a target of 5,000. But this summer, 411 Cares set a goal of 10,000 cans, and with about half a month left, only 3,500 have been donated.

To keep the community engaged, the board of directors at 411 Cares has been travelling around town with a special friend, Luna the Tuna.

After donating, folks can snap a picture of the “Tuna in July” mascot—a cartoon fish sporting a Veteran’s cap. 411Cares also recommends donors to post their own #PicWithTheFish on social media to spread the word.

The board of directors, who travel from one drop-off box to another, consists of O’Neil, Gilliane Melvin, and Tasha Ryan, with help from volunteers like City Councilor Thomas Sullivan and Cindy Ryan.

Besides the canned tuna drive, 411 Cares also delivers lunches to local veterans, elders, and the homeless community five days a week.

The group continues to grow with no city, state, or federal grants, operating for more than five years and dishing out more than 100,000 lunches over that time.

Drop off cans at donation sites around the city including City Hall, the Water Street Fire Station, Haverhill Police Department, 110 Grill, Bradford Country Club, Garrison’s Golf Course, Village Square Restaurant, and Choice Fitness.

Visit the 411 Cares tent at the Haverhill Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, at the Bradford Common for games and giveaways.