POTTSVILLE, Pa. — For volunteers like Luke Rissinger, helping children in need keeps him coming back to Schuylkill Community Action week after week.
The organization operates 20 food pantries throughout Schuylkill County, including this one in Pottsville.
"we can give them cookies and of course we have all kinds of pasta and things that they like so it's a good time you know, their their bellies are going to be full," said Rissinger.
Organizers say help from volunteers like Luke is needed now more than ever.
"The inflation and shrink-inflation that's going on in the community is really impacted our folks," said Dave Young, the executive director of Schuylkill Community Action. "The pantries across the board have seen an uptick last year we had over 20,000 visits to our pantry locations we're expecting to exceed last year's amount which was our highest in history."
But Schuylkill Community Action is branching out to include more than just groceries.
Thanks to a new community partnership with power company Vistra, Tuesday's distribution included box fans.
"The great thing about a box band is it cost pennies to operate and people can carry it from room to room and really help them stay cool during the hot summer days at the same time, make sure they save on their electric bills," said Kim Campbell with Vistra.
It's all part of Vistra's 'beat the heat' program and people with Schuylkill Community Action are thankful for the helping hand.
"It's essential, it is essential," said Young. "I mean, it's our way of meeting that basic need. It's really difficult times right now so I think any support we can offer households in satisfying those needs is a great opportunity for us."
Vistra donated $7,500 to help Schuylkill Community Action distribute box fans to about 300 families in Schuylkill County.