I talked with Julie Scott from St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
The church decided to start an outreach program 11 years ago
and provide food for the needy in Phoenixville and the providing areas. What they
offer is the food for the clients for the fist 10 years but last year they
incorporated and have the opportunity to sit down for a hot breakfast, as well
as Phoenixville hospital has started a health screening process during the
times that the panty is open which helps give those who do not have enough money
for health care a free health screening. They are funded 100% off of donation.
The church is about 60 families and Boy Scout groups Girl Scout. Large grant
from a company, community businesses (Biocare), they also run a big food drive
every year. Shows the power of partnership and how effective it can be when you
get the community behind you. Everyone who works at the pantry is a volunteer.
If anyone wants to work they try to fit him or her to their best place of
ministry. The one story that Julie shared that was very touching and powerful
was about a 10-year-old girl that is the youngest volunteer at the pantry. One
Saturday morning, she asked her mom why people were standing in a line. She asked,
“isn’t there someway we can help” so she decided to run a food drive that gave
30 boxes cereal to those in need. Then on Friday December 9th she
held a benefit concert with 9 bands that volunteered to play and they pay a
cover fee with all the money going to those less fortunate. She went to the
chamber of commerce site and sent out 350 letters asking to give money or food
the church and she was able to give a large amount. They also had Boy’s scout
sent their goal for 2,000 cans to give to the needy and they reached their goal
with 2,040 cans. When the pantry started Julie said they had10 families now at
130 for thanksgiving!
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