While the Super Bowl receives a huge amount of attention, churches are working in their own way to use the occasion to focus on collecting food and funds for people in need.

This nationwide effort is known as the Souper Bowl of Caring.

At Union United Church of Christ, Neffs, worshippers are encouraged to bring donations of canned soup – a can or two or three, or even a case – for the Northern Lehigh Food Bank.

The food bank helps provide meals to families who have run out of resources.

Cash donations will be forwarded to the Lehigh County Conference of Churches to assist individuals who cannot solve all their problems by themselves.

Those who bring a donation may vote for the team they say will win the Super Bowl.

New church members will be welcomed at a Tailgate Party 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 1.

Everyone is invited to enjoy a free lunch and fellowship.

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Neffs UCC Pre-School will have an open house 6:30-8 p.m. Feb. 3. Families are invited to come to see the classrooms and meet the teachers.

The pre-school offers classes for 3- and 4-year-olds and pre-kindergarten. Snow date is Feb. 10.

Call Director Linda Migliori at 610-767-5327 for more information.

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Union Lutheran Church, Schnecksville will have a soup and dessert contest at noon Feb. 1. This popular event features a variety of soups and desserts prepared from members' favorite recipes.

Ticket proceeds benefit the World Hunger fund of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

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The Auxiliary of Northern Valley EMS, NOVA, will be baking cherry pies to celebrate Presidents Day.

Order by Feb. 9 for pick-up on Feb. 16.

Call Julie at 610-262-7749 to reserve your pies.

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A cooperative effort among the Schnecksville Grange, the Upper Lehigh Lions, and the Parkland High School Leo Club provided a joyful Christmas party for children and families of the Agape and Lowhill food banks.

An anonymous donor contacted grange personnel in the fall and requested a Christmas lunch for about 50 children and their families, with gifts purchased specifically for each child to be presented by Santa, and entertainment.

Grange workers prepared the meal and decorated the hall for the occasion. The Lions and Leos assisted in various ways.

The party, enjoyed by everyone on a December Sunday afternoon, was a joint community service event for the Grange, the Lions and the Leos.