In the spirit of giving and sharing with others, the Lackawanna County Commissioners are organizing a system-wide food drive in order to stock local food pantries to help residents enjoy a traditional holiday season dinner with their families.
“This is a great opportunity for the County’s staff to help others. There is great need in our community. Many families are going through some difficult times,” said Commissioner Jim Wansacz. “This drive will help them in a small way to enjoy the holidays and worry a little less about the issues impacting their lives.”
“This is all about taking care of others in their time of need. It is also important that we care for our children and not let them go hungry during the holidays,” explained Commissioner Patrick M. O’Malley. “Our employees have much to be grateful for, and we are asking them to share a little bit with others.”
“This is a difficult time of year for many as the cold and winter sets in. This is our way of helping people get back on their feet and enjoy a holiday dinner with their families without any additional worries,” noted Commissioner Edward G. Staback. “The drive represents a great way to share the holiday spirit with the less fortunate of our community and to grasp the true meaning of the season.”
The drive will run from now to Dec. 18 with containers being placed on the floors or vestibules of all County offices in central city, greater Scranton, Mayfield and Jessup along with the Airport, COLTS and the Visitors Bureau.
County employees and residents are asked to bring in non-perishable canned fruits, vegetables and sauces, coffee, tea, rice, pasta, stuffing, potatoes, soup, peanut butter, condiments, cookies, crackers, or snacks to drop-off in the containers.
The bins will be checked and emptied by the County’s Buildings & Grounds Department and stored in one central location for distribution before Christmas.
Once the drive is over, the goods will be divided-up according to the food categories that were donated. The food will then be delivered to area organizations, pantries, shelters, disaster relief agencies, emergency and food assistance spots, church groups, schools, voucher programs, soup kitchens, rescue missions, and community centers throughout the County for these operations to use or distribute to their clients.
