Schuylkill Community Action (SCA) hosted the Schuylkill Food Network 2025 Volunteer Appreciation Banquet on Friday, Oct. 3, at Saint Nick’s Hall in Pottsville.
The event recognized the dedication of more than 400 volunteers who serve families in need throughout Schuylkill County.
A total of 109 volunteers attended the banquet in person, where they were celebrated for their time, energy, and commitment to the community.
Administered by SCA, the Schuylkill Food Network has grown to 22 food pantries across the county, including new locations in Port Carbon and Gordon, bringing the network to nearly 250 annual food distributions. Over the past year, the network served 6,554 households, directly supporting 15,305 individuals, and distributed more than one million pounds of food.
The program began with a warm welcome from Dave Young, CEO of SCA, who said, “This gathering is a chance to pause and celebrate the heart of our network — our volunteers, our partners, and our community.” Later, he added, “Because of you, thousands of families across Schuylkill County not only have access to food, they have access to hope, dignity, and better health.”
Following Young’s remarks, other SCA leaders — Food Network Director Jason Schally and Food Network Coordinator Brad Dougherty — as well as Schuylkill County Commissioners Larry Padora, Gary J. Hess, and Boots Hetherington shared their appreciation for the volunteers.
Commissioner Padora praised the volunteers’ work as “the difference between a full belly and going hungry” and noted that he and the other commissioners have worked closely with SCA over the past year to ensure the county’s Food Network remains protected and strong. Commissioner Hess led attendees in prayer, asking them to remember those who hunger and those who provide. Commissioner Hetherington reflected on his own upbringing, recalling that he always had food to eat. He added, “I can’t imagine what it’d be like to go to bed hungry. You all make sure no one has to.”
Food Network Director Jason Schally highlighted the resilience and dedication of the volunteer corps. He praised the many roles volunteers take on — from coordinators and collaborators to truck drivers and maintenance helpers — which form the foundation of the network. Schally added, “You represent the human element of the brick-and-mortar sites in the network … they’re not going anywhere because of you.”
Food Network Coordinator Brad Dougherty also addressed the volunteers, expressing his gratitude and saying, “It’s not possible without each and every one of you… I’m grateful and honored to be a part of it.”
Special recognition was given to Sharon Love, Schuylkill County Block Grant Manager; Amazon representative Jolene McCoy; and several SCA staff members. All guests in attendance enjoyed a catered meal by Saint Nick’s Hall and raffle prizes donated by Amazon and Wegmans.
Looking forward, SCA will continue monthly food distributions at all 22 pantries while expanding services through a new mobile food truck designed to reach underserved communities.
Residents in need of food assistance can find a full calendar of all 22 pantry schedules on SCA’s website at www.schuylkillcommunityaction.com/services/pantry. Updates and announcements about upcoming distributions are also posted regularly on Facebook (facebook.com/SchuylkillCommunityAction) and Instagram (instagram.com/schuylkill.community.action.pa).
Volunteer opportunities also remain open, including packing boxes, assisting at distributions, and serving as pantry coordinators. Interested individuals or groups can contact the Schuylkill Food Network at (570) 391-6728 or pottsvillepantry@gmail.com.
Information, photos from a press release
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