Media's Food Bank Needs OUR HELP!

Bread donated by local stores

When people drive or walk down State Street many can’t help but get caught up in the glitz and holiday spirit that makes this town so great.  However, there are others that come to town and see the same thing but may not feel it.  In fact, they are not here for the fancy holiday parties and celebrations, but to travel down to the west end of State Street to do something much more important.

Last Thursday, I was able to see firsthand what these people were in need of: Food and Clothing.  I was taken back by how many were waiting for help from Media’s Food Bank operated by the United Methodist Church.  The entrance is located on Baker Street and at 6:30pm there was a noticeable line circling the parking lot with people there to pickup food.  A LINE OF PEOPLE WAITING FOR FOOD IN MEDIA, PA!

Fruit donated by local stores

If you have read this blog you know there are a lot of challenges facing Media, but seeing people in our own town waiting for food really provided perspective, especially for me.

I went in to meet Paul the organizer who was quite busy with the night’s food distribution, but was grateful for any awareness that could be brought to the cause.  He proceeded to show me around and I was quite impressed with the operation and number of volunteers.  There was a room for packaged food distribution where people came in to get dry and canned goods.  Also, a hallway with fresh fruits, vegetables and loaves of bread all of which were donated by local businesses. 

Be sure to drop off any unused clothing.

In another room they had hangers full of coats, jackets, sweaters, pants and shoes, which connected to yet another room with more clothing.  Paul told me that the clothes can be as popular as the food.  Paul then asked me if I wanted to step outside to talk to the people in line.  I hesitated, then declined.  I was too embarrassed to have not known about this going on in Media to this degree, nor felt it was appropriate to discuss what may be a very humiliating experience for people.

I’ll be covering this issue more in the coming months and appreciate the anonymous donation I was able to collect for them.   

Here’s what you can do:

The food bank is open the 1^st and 3^rd Thursday of the Month.  They also are open from 10 to 11am on Saturdays.  You can volunteer or donate, I’m sure both will be greatly appreciated.

Food BankThe food bank is currently serving 55-65 families per week. The food bank is open 10:30am – 11:45am on Thursdays and 6:00pm - 7:00pm the first and third Thursday evenings of the month.  Information Line...484-442-0033

First Closet This clothing distribution center is open from 10:00 until noon each Saturday and some Thursdays (see Food Bank schedule above.) Clothing is available for men, women and children. Donations of gently used clothing (no shoes, handbags or household items please) are accepted whenever the church is open. Volunteers are welcome. For more information please call the church office or email closet staff at closet@mediamethodist.org.