Join the Newtown Food Drive: Community Shoppers Share Kindness and Make a Difference!

Wrightstown Food Cupboard Fills Up Thanks to Community Support

Thanks to the kindness of shoppers at McCaffrey’s Market in Newtown, the Wrightstown Food Cupboard is well-stocked with food again. On Saturday, members of the Newtown Rotary Club invited shoppers to donate food to help local families in need, and the response was incredible.

Shoppers filled their carts with various items, from Cheerios to canned soups and vegetables. Many also gave cash, which will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000 by the Gene and Marlene Epstein Foundation.

Shari Donahue, co-owner of the Zebra-Striped Whale, has organized the drive for ten years. She expressed her joy, noting, "This has been the best one so far. It’s heartwarming to see such generosity." One car even donated a check for $1,000!

Paul Salvatore from the Rotary Club echoed her sentiments, saying, “Once they heard what it was for, they were happy to help out.”

The donations will be distributed by the Wrightstown Food Cupboard, run by the Penns Park United Methodist, Anchor Presbyterian, St. Mark’s Orthodox Church, and Wrightstown Friends Meeting. Director Mitch McIntire, who has managed the cupboard for 30 years without any government assistance, stated, "The community always comes through for us."

Local businesses also play a crucial role. Zook’s Fresh Poultry at the Newtown Farmers Market contributes thousands of dollars in food each year. The cupboard, located at Penns Park United Methodist Church, operates throughout the year and offers special food baskets during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Items in high demand include pasta sauce, coffee, juice, and personal care products. "The food cupboard is amazing," added Donahue. "There are no questions asked, and they provide so much."

Anyone needing assistance can schedule an appointment by calling Penns Park United Methodist at 267-437-7533.

The Impact of Community Drives

Community food drives like this one are more important than ever. According to recent data from Feeding America, food insecurity affects nearly 35 million Americans. Initiatives like the Wrightstown Food Cupboard provide critical support to those struggling in our neighborhoods.

Engaging with the Community

Social media shows a strong trend of local residents using hashtags like #CommunitySupport and #FoodDrive to encourage others to join in. Engaging online not only raises awareness but also inspires new participants to help.

By continuing to support local food banks, we can collectively address food insecurity and ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.

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