One memorable experience that demonstrates the impact of our Whitehall-Coplay Hunger Initiative Food Pantry occurred while I was participating in an evening pickup pickleball game. During what should have been a light warm-up, a fellow participant had to stop after about 10 minutes because she felt shaky and weak.

Concerned, I asked when she had last eaten and was surprised when she quietly replied, “Yesterday’s breakfast.”

She explained she was experiencing financial hardship and would not receive her next Social Security check until the following week. After speaking with our WCHI president, we arranged for her to pick up food from our pantry.

The process was straightforward and welcoming, and she expressed deep gratitude for the assistance. The food helped her bridge the gap until her benefits arrived, providing both nourishment and relief during a difficult time.

A few weeks later, I followed up with her and was pleased to see her back to her cheerful, energetic self. She said the pantry support had carried her through that period of need, and she now had food stocked at home.

Even more encouraging, she had secured seasonal employment as a pool attendant at her apartment complex, providing additional income and renewed confidence.

This experience reinforced that a food pantry offers far more than food. It provides stability, dignity and hope, and a simple act of connection can help someone move toward greater security and opportunity.

Editor’s note: The information above was written by Sylvia Lee, WCHI volunteer chair.

Our WCHI Food Pantry needs any kind of canned fruit and canned soup, rice and pasta side dishes, hot and cold cereal, instant oatmeal, pancake mix and grape and strawberry jelly. These items can be placed inside the foyer on the right side at RE/MAX Unlimited Real Estate, 1080 Schadt Ave., Whitehall, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays.

Thank you for your generosity!

Also, a huge shout-out and thank you goes to the following library and businesses that currently are doing food drives for WCHI:

• Coplay Public Library, 49 S. Fifth St. (610-262-7351)

• Giant Food Stores, 300 S. Best Ave., Walnutport (610-760-6184)

• Gilboy Ford, 2805 MacArthur Road, Whitehall (610-434-4211)

• Kaye-Ann Brown Barrett State Farm Inc., 3690 Lehigh St., Whitehall (610-264-9600)

Thank you, everyone, and have a great week!