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S. Whitehall police spearhead program to fight hunger

Published November 12. 2020 09:03AM

By LOU WHEELAND

Special to The Press

A cooperative program spearheaded by South Whitehall Township police to fight hunger has been under way since Oct. 24.

One drop off was held Oct. 31. The last was on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

The food drive is to benefit the Parkland C.A.R.E.S. food pantry as part of the Travis Manion Foundation’s Operation Legacy.

The foundation is dedicated to public service programs and veteran care named for Marine 1st Lt. Travis Manion, who was killed in action in April 29, 2007, in Anbar province, Iraq.

The local T.M.F. Operation Legacy was spearheaded by Reagan Kinney, a Parkland High School junior.

According to the Travis Manion Foundation website, “The inspiration for our foundation comes from its namesake. Dedicated to 1st Lt. Travis Manion, USMC, who made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of his patrol in 2007, TMF carries on the legacy of selfless service and leadership embodied by Travis and all those who have served, or continue to serve, our nation.”

There are 13 veterans in South Whitehall Township Police Department.

Team Army includes Capt. Mike Sorrentino, Sgt. Andrew Gardo, Officer Thomas Webb, K-9 Officers Colin Beaumont and Matthew Carney and Officer Alexie Santiago.

Team Marines includes Sgt. George Hummel, School Resource Officer Thomas Bammer III, and Community Relations Officer Jason Grozier.

Team Air Force includes Detective Chad Moyer and School Resource Officer Darvin Faust.

Team Navy includes Lt. Stephen Brown.

Each service, including the United States Coast Guard, had a table available to accept nonperishable food donations making for something of a friendly competition of which branch would receive the most donations.

Olivia Kunz and Haley Sammarco handle a food donation from South Whitehall's Cameron French, 7, (center) and his family.
Katy Kunz of Parkland C.A.R.E.S. accepts a food donation from Diane Weber of Upper Macungie Township.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELAND Parkland C.A.R.E.S. supporters, all juniors at Parkland High School, Marissa Olenwine, Olivia Kunz, Hailey Leonzi, Reagan Kinney, Emma Scholl, Catey Kunz, Teresa Gonzalez and Madelyn (back) South Whitehall Police Community Relations Officer Jason Grozier, Police Chief Glen Dorney, South Whitehall Manager Renee Bickel, Parkland C.A.R.E.S. volunteer Holly Smith, South Whitehall Commissioners' President Tori Morgan, South Whitehall Police Lt. Stephen Brown, Parkland C.A.R.E.S. Director of Pantry Operation Lauren Gallaher, and Marine Staff Sgt. Brittane Woodard with Lehigh Valley Marine Recruiting to part in the food drive.