LAKEVILLE — Empty bottles and cans have led to full stomachs.

Representatives of the Sacred Heart food pantry are saluting the Seckinger family, owners of Muckey’s Liquors in Lakeville, for more than two decades of support through their returnables collection.

The family donates the money earned from the returned bottles and cans back to the community. People can bring their clean empties to a bin in the business and their employees will do the rest. 

Other groups being helped by this effort are the American Legion, Boy Scout Troop 64, Middleboro Sports Boosters, Ted Williams Camp, and the Oak Point Scholarship Committee.

Bill Seckinger was named the American Legion Man of the Year by the American Legion for his support of that veterans’ organization. Bill and Cindy Seckinger have a special place in their hearts for veterans, food pantry officials said, because both are children of career military fathers. 

This community support has been embedded in the Route 44 business since it opened 36 years ago. Their children, Billy and Kim, began working at the store in their early teens. The next generation, grandsons Tyler and Dylan Guidetti are now in charge of the redemption center, which is a separate business from the liquor store.

“It’s a true family affair,” said Bill Seckinger. “Every day, every hour that the store is open, at least one family member is on hand to make sure things are running smoothly.

As a family, we just wanted to be the best in the business. And that takes hard work,” he said.

And, food pantry recipients would add, a giving heart.