NORWICH – Looking for a way to dispose of old washers, dryers, refrigerators and scrap metal without paying for it? Catholic Charities could provide the solution to your problem.

Roots and Wings, a division of Catholic Charities that helps individuals meet their basic needs, is collecting scrap metal to raise money. The money received will go to fund the organization’s food pantry.

“The number of people we see is creeping up with the rising costs and economic situation,” said Catholic Charities Executive Director Jane Coddington. “Last week, Roots and Wings saw an all time high of 37 household processed through the pantry in one day.”

The food pantry saw 100 more people pass through in August compared to July of this year, and 200 more in September than in August.

Coddington explained that more and more, Roots and Wings is being utilized by working families who are struggling to stay ahead.