J Barrett & Co.’s Ipswich office is reaching out to the community.

The Beverly-based real estate firm’s office at 4 South Main St. in Ipswich this month became the Ipswich Food Pantry’s most recent drop-off center for food donations. Non-perishable donations will be accepted during business hours.

 "The Food Pantry makes a significant impact on the issue of hunger that is unfortunately a reality today regardless of geographic location," said Jon Gray, president, J Barrett & Co. "We appreciate the enthusiastic response our business has received over the past five years from clients throughout the North Shore. This is an opportunity for us-the brokers and the company-to give back and to show our support for this community."

In a separate press release, J Barrett & Co. noted that Realtor Ed Dick is working with the Ipswich Triad Council to launch an emergency assistance program for Ipswich seniors and disabled residents.

The "Lockbox Program" is designed to provide the Fire Department with access to seniors and disabled individuals in the event of an emergency or wellness check. In addition to emergency calls for assistance, the Fire Department performs wellness checks when out-of-area relatives are unable to reach loved ones.

"Safety is a familiar issue when we talk to seniors who are considering selling their homes," said Dick, who works out of J Barrett’s Ipswich office. "They do worry about being alone in emergencies, especially when family is not nearby. After learning about a similar program in Danvers, this seemed to be an ideal way to address this very serious matter."

Each participant receives a free secure lockbox accessible only by the Ipswich Fire Department. In emergencies, firefighters will be able to enter homes without delay and without property damage enabling potential life-saving services to be provided much more quickly.

Lockboxes will be loaned for use and, when no longer needed, returned and reused at another residence.

"Our goal for Phase I was to raise $3,500 which will pay for 55 lockboxes," Dick said. "Depending on community response, we will gladly initiate Phase II."