Pocono News Section

1,200 Line Up for Free Food Distribution

1,200 Line Up for Free Food Distribution - Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at 4:30PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Wednesday, Dec 23, 2009 @ 04:30pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY -- Just two days before Christmas more than a thousand families got a helping hand with their holiday meals. The food distribution is an extension of the Family to Family program which helps needy families at Thanksgiving. Many people who turned out say they're thankful for all the help.

Bag after bag of food was given out Wednesday morning at the Holy Family Church in Scranton. In all 1,200 families were helped out by the Friends of the Poor food distribution day. Judy Judge said,
ÒItÕs great. It really helps with the family. We're able to have a meal on Christmas."

Laverne Singleton of Old Forge has recently fallen on hard times. She says the ham, eggs, bread and produce will help brighten the holiday for her two young girls. ÒYou never knew you'd have to be in that spot and go thru it yourself, but it helps out a lot," she said.

The line for the distribution wrapped around the church at times. Organizers say the need is greater than ever this year. Sister Maryalice Jacquinot of Friends of the Poor said, ÒFood is expensive day-to-day but when you want to have a holiday meal, which is a little more special, its even that much more expensive."

It takes about 100 volunteers to pull off this food distribution. ItÕs organized chaos. Many of the volunteers, especially the long-time volunteers, say they get much more than they give.

24-year volunteer Nancy Koar said, ÒWhen I see my family and how lucky we are, my heart aches and if I didn't come I'd feel very bad."

And for the families that benefit each seemed more grateful than the next. ÒItÕs great to know people care, you know? It really is a big help," added Judy Judge.

The money for all the food comes from the Friends of the Poor and donations. Other money comes from the leftover money donated during the annual Family to Family campaign.