When the United of Way of Bucks County dared residents to knock out hunger, they were hoping to raise $36,000, which was enough to make 100,000 meals for the homeless. By the time all they money was tallied, generous residents and businesses donated $47,000 for the Bucks Knocks Out Hunger campaign.
On Tuesday, the United Way presented a $10,500 check to the Bucks County Opportunity Council and Rolling Harvest Food Rescue received $11,500 during a small event at the First United Methodist Church Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry on Trenton Road in Falls.
Advertisements
The Bucks County Opportunity Council (BCOC) will divvy the $10,500 between some of the 31 food pantries that are dotted throughout the county. BCOC Food Program Manager Briana McGonagle said the program will help meet the needs of each pantry.
BCOC Executive Director Roger Collins said he thought it was “wonderful” that less fortunate people will be able to put food on the table for their family because of the generosity of others.
The Rolling Harvest Food Rescue will use the money to help provide fresh, local fruits and vegetables to locals who need it.
Advertisements
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity we saw during BKO Hunger. When people realized how many pantries exist in Bucks County – and that more than 60,000 people are food insecure – they immediately stepped up,” Marissa Christie, United Way of Bucks County’s vice president of marketing and communications, said.
Nancy Delso, who runs the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, said the fall is typically the busiest time of year for food pantries and the influx of money and goods will be helpful.
Advertisements
United Way of Bucks County CEO Jamie Haddon said the program was so successful the seed money for next year has already been put aside.
“It’s a great feeling to know that we live in a place where people really want to help. This is about everyone having access to a great quality of life,” Christie said.
