The St. Ann Helping Hands organized Nov. 21 to pack boxes of donated goods for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

Committee Chair Derek Demchak and his team had 75 registered volunteers for the event; however, over 100 volunteers were available to serve. Demchak said approximately 7,000 pounds of goods were donated by the parishioners to be packed into 200 boxes.

More than 125 families in need in the East Penn community and Sacred Heart Parish in Allentown, as well as the Carmelite Sisters in Coopersburg were to receive the boxed goods.

The event has become an annual reunion for friends and families who volunteer to serve others.

Members of Boy Scouts Troop 80 and Knights of Columbus assisted with loading the items into the school’s gymnasium.

The Girl Scouts and Brownie Troop members colored turkey pictures and cards to decorate and include with the boxes.

The Helping Hands team arranged the thousands of pounds of goods onto tables and team member Joanna LaFever organized the collection of items for the boxes.

For first-time volunteers, the event can appear overwhelming, but the team and LaFever have been doing this for years and the boxes are packed within the hour.

Bishop Alfred Schlert made an appearance because he “had to see this event. I heard about its success and had to see it for myself.”

Monsignor Edward Coyle and Father Simon Kimaryo, AJ appeared overjoyed at the turnout of volunteers and were humbled by the amount of donations received from their parishioners.

LaFever commented she “loved seeing families volunteering together.”

There were individuals, couples, parents and their children, and even grandchildren with their grandparents who shared that this annual event is something they look forward to being a part of every year.

Demchak mentioned “it is a Friday night and you could be doing so many other things, but you are here to help. Thank you.”

Schlert was amazed at the organization and efficiency of the event and loved hearing that some of the volunteers participate because in years past their families have benefited from this program.

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” Schlert said. “It (volunteering) is important for the children to learn,” he added.

Helping Hands is a community outreach program for St. Ann Parish and assists families in need with Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter holidays. Individuals interested in volunteering or donating can reach out to Derek Demchak at St. Ann Parish in Emmaus.