Shari's Update - 12/5/21

I am so proud that WCHI is helping so many Whitehall and Coplay residents.  We are definitely achieving our Mission to alleviate food insecurity in Whitehall and Coplay.
 
Our next food distribution is this Thursday, December 9th in the St John the Baptist Church parking lot, 3024 S Ruch St, Whitehall from 11am -1pm and again from 5:30-7:00pm.  We are hopeful that we can be inside for January.  I will give you more information on this as we get closer to the January 13th distribution date.
 
From our September to November pantry distributions, we jumped 40% with the number of households we served -- 146 in September, 186 in October and 205 in November.  We also had a huge increase in new household registrations -- 49 in September, 55 in October, and 41 in November.  And we also served 30 households last month with 6 or more people living in the same home.
 
In November, we had our highest pantry attendance this year.  The 205 households were comprised of 333 adults, 300 children, and 92 seniors for a total of 725 people.  We try to provide food to make 5 meals.   Thanks to Second Harvest and the generous public food and monetary donations, we provided 3,625 meals at the November distribution.
 
Please note that not every registered household comes monthly.  We have 281households registered since July 1st to comply with PA Dept of Agriculture reporting for their fiscal year of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.  Also, pantries have been told to expect an uptick in registrations through September 2022.  Second Harvest has reported that currently in PA, 1 in 9 people and 1 in 7 children face food insecurity.  Prior to Covid, 1 in 6 children were affected.
 
A big thank you goes out to all of you who are telling your family members, friends, and neighbors about WCHI.  We also thank the WCSD, who has been sending out reminder robo calls, texts, and emails to the households who are registered for free and reduced rate breakfast and lunch the evening before our distribution. You all are making a big difference in people’s lives.  Both WCHI and our guests are greatly appreciative.
 
WCHI’s next bingo is this Sunday, December 12th at Commitment to Family and Community, 165 Cherry St, Coplay.  Face masks are required, except for those who are on oxygen.  You can take them off to eat and drink, but then must be put back on. Doors open at 1pm. Bingo starts at 2pm.  $15 gets you in the door and you receive two bingo boards with two games on each board.  We also sell paper specials $5 a pack of five. Bingo chips and dabbers are available for purchase as is food and great desserts.   Please bring an item for Snack Pack Pals https://tinyurl.com/SnackPackPals  or for our Food Pantry  https://tinyurl.com/WCHIPantryList  We really need toiletries.   Call Liz with questions and to register 484-274-6687.  Walk-ins are also welcome.
 
Please remember this is the season for giving and it does not need to be monetary.  Please continue to spread your kindness every chance you get.   Just a simple smile or holding a door open for someone can positively impact a person’s day!!