HARRISBURG, Pa. — Bethesda Mission kicks off its annual Fall Food Drive today with a goal of collecting 150,000 pounds of food for the holidays.
The drive plans to distribute over 1,200 bags of food and serve over 20,000 meals this upcoming holiday season. There are multiple drop-off locations in the Harrisburg area to help feed thousands of men, women and children.
“We get help with the Harrisburg area food donations and the surrounding areas every year, and we appreciate them,” said Cecil McCray, manager of mission services.
The food bank partners with over 200 churches and other agencies in counties surrounding Harrisburg. Each month, the food bank distributes 1,500 bags of food and essential daily household products to hungry and needy individuals and families.
“A lot of the people we serve are homeless, and we try to give them a stable meal during this time of year so that they can feel like they’re loved,” said McCray. “We always want to break bread with people that are less fortunate.”
These donations are stored in Mission Central’s warehouse in Mechanicsburg, which handles both dry foods and perishables, with distribution handled by two trucks, one of which has refrigeration capacity.
Sanitary items and clothing are also a need during this time of year. With the winter approaching and temperatures dropping, things like gloves, jackets, scarves and hats are needed for people who are unhoused.
Individuals may collect various non-perishable food items (no glass containers please) and drop them off at any of the following locations: Bethesda Mission (611 Reily Street in Harrisburg), Dauphin County Library Branches in Harrisburg, Sharp Shopper in Middletown and local M&T Banks.