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WILKES-BARRE — As Thanksgiving approaches, many area residents are purchasing turkeys, sharing stuffing recipes and gathering all ingredients necessary for the pies that will serve as dessert.
Unfortunately, other families lack the finances to purchase those food items necessary not only for the sharing of a meal, but the making of memories.
For 38 years, the Commission on Economic Opportunity has answered that need, providing items necessary for everything from the main course to dessert to napkins for setting the table.
Richard Piccolotti, volunteer coordinator at the CEO’s Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank, said the effort began in a church hall over 30 years ago with about 200 meals provided to those in need.
Today, he said, that number has risen to over 8,000 recipients who make their way to the nonprofit’s distribution centers during the two weekends before Thanksgiving, grateful that their holiday will be full and happy.
In addition, meals will be delivered to the homebound on Thanksgiving day and a sit-down dinner will be held in Hazleton.
Piccolotti said, although the need for assistance has consistently increased over the years, the willingness for area residents to help their needy neighbors has made it possible for needs to be met.
When asked how many of those volunteers stepped in over the last month, Piccolotti responded “thousands.”
He credits not only individuals with willing hands and willing hearts, but small businesses, corporations, high schools, colleges and those with special needs for eagerly greeting participants, filling their carts and speaking words of encouragement and holiday wishes.
Piccolotti was himself so busy that he had little time over the past few weeks for his own family.
The solution? His wife Kristy and children Ginno, 5, and Gianni, 8, joined him volunteering at the event and taking a few minutes for family time.
Both Rich and Kristy said their family is committed to community and to assisting those in need.
Ginger Fath, of Dupont, was also at the event with family, delivering meals to those with disabilities.
Fath said although the day was chilly, necessitating a few breaks indoors to warm up, it was well worth it.
Fath, whose own mother was 90 and needs extra help, said volunteering at the event made the holiday even more special.
Daughter Sabrina Fath, 11, said the day was a fun one, and she didn’t even want to take a break when the wind picked up and the temperature fell.
Misericordia junior Brenna Curran joined about 12 classmates volunteering at the event.
A member of the Misericordia Student Occupational Therapy Association (MSOTA), Curran said the students helped at the event on four days in any way they were needed.
“We have many area families who, because of economic circumstances, are unable to enjoy a traditional holiday meal,” said Rich Kutz, Weinberg Regional Food Bank Director. “With the help of many volunteers and others in the community, we are able to provide this tradition for families to share and enjoy. It’s important for all of us to share our bounty with others who are less fortunate, especially families with young children and the elderly. It’s what Thanksgiving and the holiday season is all about.”
