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Pocono News Section
Huge Turnout for Day of Caring Food Drive
Huge Turnout for Day of Caring Food Drive - Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 6:14PM EST
Reported by: Eric Deabill
Thursday, Sep 10, 2009 @ 06:14pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - There was a huge turnout Thursday for a special food drive in both Lackawanna and Wayne Counties. The event was sponsored by the United Way as part of the group's Day of Caring.
Because of the state budget impasse, all of the food will be donated to area food pantries which have been hard hit by a lack of state funding.
Bag after bag of food was brought into the Scranton Salvation Army Headquarters.
"We're just completely amazed by this community once again. I guess really we shouldn't be," Nikki Keller from the United Way said.
More than 650 bags were donated in Scranton alone. That's on top of bags donated in Honesdale. That led to big piles.
"I think it's important to help other people. People are in a situation and it shouldn't be and it's something I needed to do," Jean Dixon of Clarks Summit said.
"There's a definite need, especially this year. If you have an ounce to give, you should be giving a pound," volunteer Danielle Ujvari said.
At least 14 local companies, like Citizens Bank, also jumped on board. Their workers donated a whole car-load of food.
"Everybody was very generous at Citizens and they reached out as they always do in a time of need," Thomas Kusy said.
Right now, food pantry shelves are at record low levels. At the Salvation Army, the food will last less than a month. In fact, there is only one box of bread in the freezer.
"We're seeing people here now that used to be donors -- now their clients. People we've never seen before," Captain Christin Kapp said.
Organizers hope the outpouring from Thursday's food drive sends a message to lawmakers. They want a budget passed now to help the less fortunate.
"It's more than frustrating. It's shameful. If I didn't show up for my job for 71 days, I'd be fired," Kapp said.
All of the food that was donated on Thursday will go to three food pantries in Lackawanna County and one in Wayne County. The United Way and Salvation Army say donations are still being accepted. | | |
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