Thanksgiving is a time for reflection and gratitude. In addition to contemplating life's aspects that are appreciated, it's also a perfect occasion to think about others, who may be less fortunate, by giving monetary gifts, donations or simply volunteering. Here are some local opportunities in the Newtown region for making contributions.
Family Service Association of Bucks County
This group hosts a fall coat drive to distribute coats before Thanksgiving, and serves a Thanksgiving meal to those at a homeless shelter in Levittown. Volunteers help a chef prepare, setup, serve and clean up. To donate or volunteer, contact Anne Marie Richards at FSABC.org/get-involved/volunteer or 215.757.6916, extension 218.
Makefield Women’s Association (MWA) - Yardley
Volunteers support the BCHG Community Food Pantry and the Family Service Food Pantry. They make meals for homebound residents via Caring for Friends, and prepare a Thanksgiving basket for a sponsored family through Apartment Partners. For volunteer or donation opportunities, visit the Service Projects page at MakefieldWomensAssociation.com.
Newtown Rotary - Newtown
This group sponsors a biannual food drive at McCaffery’s in Newtown to benefit the Wrightstown Food Cupboard. The next drive is Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those interested in volunteering may email newtownrotarypr@gmail.com or sign up through the “volunteer” tab on the Rotary's Facebook page, Facebook.com/Rotary.Newtown.PA/. They're also sponsoring a $25 gift card collection for Ukrainian refugees in the Council Rock School District; drop-off locations include Countryside Framing, Newtown Presbyterian Church, Newtown Hardware House.
Rolling Harvest Food Rescue - New Hope
These "gleaning" supporters distribute food that would otherwise go to waste from local farms to area organizations. Volunteer opportunities available on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9-11 a.m. through early December. Visit RollingHarvest.org/volunteer-opportunities for more information.
United Way of Bucks County
This team operates the HELP Center in Bristol, a warehouse/distribution center/shop that provides free personal and household essentials. A different collection theme is highlighted each season; from October through December the theme is cleaning supplies and home goods. Several Newtown-area organizations and residents support the HELP Center through individual donations, hosting supply drives and volunteering their time: UWBucks.org/help-center-collections.
Food Pantries:
St. Andrew Catholic Church
81 Swamp Road, Newtown
StAndrewNewtown.com/Cupboard
St. Andrew parishioners donate nonperishable food items that are taken to Mary's Cupboard in Levittown on a monthly basis.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
100 E. Washington Ave., Newtown
StLukesNewtownPA.org/Community-Outreach
Food pantry with small nonperishable foods. Open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; collaborates with local charity Aiding Our Neighbors to provide and distribute turkey and ham dinners for Thanksgiving. Community donations welcome.
The Wrightstown Food Cupboard
2394 Second Street Pike, Penns Park
PennsParkUMC.org
Group receives donations and support from four area churches: Penns Park United Methodist Church, Anchor Presbyterian, Wrightstown Friends and St. Mark's Orthodox, as well as Newtown Rotary, Council Rock School District and the surrounding community. Steve Zook, of Zook's BBQ Barn at the Newtown Farmer's Market, donates fresh poultry that's stored in the food cupboard's refrigerator. For Thanksgiving, those who have used the food cupboard in the past are invited to come and pack a box for the holiday (the same is done for Christmas, Easter and the end of the school year). Call Mitch or Nancy McIntire at 215.598.3661 for more information.