Credit unions and legislators collaborated and launched a food drive this summer and donated 1,405 pounds of canned goods and non-perishable food to Philabundance in an effort to replenish the diminishing supply in local pantries.
The credit unions’ branches and legislators’ offices served as drop-off sites for food donations from members and constituents. The credit unions worked with Philabundance to learn what types of food were most needed. They received an overwhelming response from people who wanted to help.
The staff at Philabundance was pleasantly surprised when Pennsylvania State Representative Mary Isaacson, representatives from Senators Leach and Kearney’s offices, and representatives from Ardent Credit Union, Freedom Credit Union, Media Members Federal Credit Union, Reliance Federal Credit Union, TruMark Financial® Credit Union, and Ukrainian Selfreliance Federal Credit Union visited its warehouse in North Philadelphia and delivered pallets of requested items such as peanut butter, tuna fish, beans, and cereal.
Other legislators who participated in the food drive include Pennsylvania State Representatives Wendy Ullman and Craig T. Staats, and Pennsylvania State Senators Maria Collett and Katie Muth.
“We are always grateful to our community partners who give time, food, and money to fight hunger in the Delaware Valley. It was great to see different credit unions and legislative offices joining forces to help those in need. It really shows you what can be accomplished when the community comes together,” said Olivia Edwards, Community Fundraising Coordinator.
In addition, several of the credit unions made monetary donations to be used in pantries in the
five-county region.