Community for Hunger
Mission
The Community for Hunger coordinates PCCH’s regular and special outreach to local ministries that provide food to those in need, and also manages special offerings for these and other groups. The Hunger Community also seeks to educate the congregation about hunger in Greater Philadelphia, and to mobilize volunteers.
Regular Hunger Outreach
The following opportunities are available to support PCCH’s hunger outreach:
Food Cupboard Donations are received on the first Sunday of every month for Germantown Avenue Crisis Ministry. Please bring food donations at the end of worship on these Sundays, or leave in the Reception Room if you cannot attend services. Cash donations are also accepted. Items regularly needed include canned tuna, chicken, and meats; rice, potato, and pasta products, including sauce NOT in glass jars; peanut butter; canned vegetables; powdered milk; hearty soups and stews; canned meat; and hot cereals. Beverages that are 100% fruit juice are also appreciated. Norristown also appreciates donations of personal hygiene items, including diapers, toilet paper, and food cards from Shoprite, Giant and Acme. Please take a food cupboard shoppping list found in the Narthex and by the Communities Bulletin Board.
We also coordinate other special offerings during the year.
We coordinate PCCH’s mission to Our Brother’s Place, a homeless shelter in Philadelphia, by providing dinner on the fourth Sunday of every month, with the exception of July and August. We solicit donations of Sloppy Joes (brown 2 pounds of ground beef, add Manwich sauce, put into a plastic bag and bring to the freezer in the church kitchen) and organize serving teams, led by an experienced Hunger Community team leader. A sign-up sheet is available by the Communities bulletin board, near the entrance to Widener Hall.
Resources and Links
The Hunger Community has partnered in the past with the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger. Their website provides listings of volunteer and support opportunities, as well as information about the growing hunger problem in greater Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Inquirer has been running an occasional series about hunger in our area, particularly Philadelphia’s First Congressional District, the second-hungriest in the country. Read the series online.
How can YOU help?
Our Community welcomes everyone with ideas, donations, time, and interest. Contact Jeff Podraza (jeffpodraza@gmail.com), or the Church office (mritchie@chestnuthillpres.org) to help! Thank you.
