Tuesday, December 18, 2012

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 1st and 3rd 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.

7 comments:

  1. Please note this correction:
    Food Bank:
    Our hours and days are:

    Every Thursday night from 7:00 - 8:00pm.
    The 2nd and 4th Saturday from 10:00 - 11:00am.

    Clothes Closet:
    During Food Banks hours, and
    Every Saturday from 10:00 - 11:00am.

    ReplyDelete
  2. When are they open for dropping off donations?

    ReplyDelete
  3. A number of years ago, Tedman, I drove two friends, who knew about the United Methodist Church's food bank, in my van to pick up groceries. I was surprised them. But forgot all about it, til I read your blog.

    I don't think they had clothes at that time. Your blog should wake us all up to the need in our town, and the services our churches provide.

    ReplyDelete
  4. you never knew about this service??? maybe you should get off your politcal bandwagon once in a while and broaden your education. just a thought.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Political bandwagon? Me. Heck, I'm all over the place. I'll support one issue 100%. Then on an other I'll cut you down. I'm unreliable. Even my own late father said, "You are not a politician." I'll have to agree with that.

    ReplyDelete
  6. On Saturday Dec. 14th I was at the food bank at 7am. I didn't see the sign on the door until I had
    waited I hour. The food bank should have been open, as the weather didn't come in until 2pm!
    I was low on food, and ended up going home with nothing! Whoever decided to se the food
    bank that day used very poor judgement! The final weather forecast on Friday night was for
    the snow to start late in the day, not in the am!

    ReplyDelete
  7. By word of mouth, people from all over use the Food Bank and Clothing services (Philadelphia, Chester, etc.) not just Media residents. It's an excellent resource!

    ReplyDelete