The 14th annual Tamaqua Community Hunger Campaign kicks off Oct. 1 for the monthlong effort to raise funds and collect food items in support of the town’s four food pantries.
Food security issues continue in Tamaqua, as in many communities. Each month, Tamaqua’s four food pantries serve well over 700 families:
- American Primitive Methodist Church through its two distribution days.
- Trinity United Church of Christ and Stokes Ministries when contacted.
- Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church through its People’s Pantry kiosk, available 24/7.
Last year’s campaign distributed $18,000 to those four pantries depending on the number of families and individuals they serve. One hundred twenty-five boxes and bags of food were also distributed, again based on the numbers they serve. Campaign planners hope to match and exceed those numbers this year. Hunger remains an issue in Tamaqua.
Events
This year’s campaign includes some familiar events like the Community Soup Sale, Dine Out Against Hunger Days at participating eateries, and the Tamaqua Community Hunger Walk.
Community Soup Sale
Area churches and restaurants have been invited to make and donate quarts of soup, which can be ordered beginning Oct. 6 online and at the Tamaqua Heritage Festival Oct. 12. The soups will be distributed Saturday, Oct. 25, at St. John XXIII Catholic Church’s social hall on Pine Street.
Dine Out Against Hunger Days
Area eateries have been invited to donate a soup or participate in Dine Out Against Hunger Days either Oct. 29 or 30. Participating eateries donate a portion of their proceeds for that day to the Hunger Campaign.
Tamaqua Hunger Walk
The Hunger Walk caps off the campaign on Sunday, Nov. 2, beginning at 2 p.m. from the Tamaqua Community Arts Center. Walkers are encouraged to seek sponsors. Registration begins at 1:30 p.m. and forms are available on the Tamaqua Hunger Campaign website.
New Events
In addition to the familiar happenings, three new events are being introduced this year.
Harmonies for Hunger
A benefit concert hosted by St. John’s Lutheran Church (the corner of Mauch Chunk and Pine streets) Oct. 11 beginning at 6 p.m. Guest performers are Waiting for Eyes (Kyle Dunkelberger and his son, Ryan) and Steve and Maggie, formerly of Toolshed Jack Acoustic. A free-will offering will be taken. Food donations will also be accepted.
Fast Week
During Fast Week, Oct. 12-18, Tamaqua area residents are asked to fast for one meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) one day of that week and then donate what they would have spent on that meal to the Hunger Campaign through their church on Sunday or directly to the campaign.
It’s a good way to give everyone an opportunity to participate in the Hunger Campaign.
Feed a Family Days
Oct. 14 and 19 are Feed a Family Days in Boyer’s Market when shoppers will have the opportunity to purchase a bag of food which contains more food than the purchase price. Campaign volunteers will be on site to collect purchased bags as well as individual food items and cash donations.
More Information
All campaign details are available on the Tamaqua Community Hunger Campaign website (Google “Tamaqua Hunger Campaign”). Links on the website lead to the soup sale and to a donation page.
The hunger campaign is a project of the Tamaqua Area Faith Fellowship Network and the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership. TAFFN is a 501(c)(3) organization of lay people from area churches which operates under the umbrella of the Community Partnership.
Cash and food donations are being accepted at Hope & Coffee. Donations can be sent to:
Tamaqua Hunger Campaign
125 Pine Street
Tamaqua, PA 18252
Information from a press release
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