The holidays are a special time for Hempfield recCenter. It is a time of wonder, joy, cheer, thanks, and family. It is also a time of giving, and 2025 brings with it the return of our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive.
Led by the Aquatics Department, the food drive is a staple of each November at the recCenter. Employees and members alike donate nonperishable food items to benefit the Hempfield Area Food Pantry, located at 85 East Brandt Boulevard.
In the month of October alone, the Hempfield Food Pantry served 2,003 people, including 615 children, 391 seniors, and 99 adults, and registered 33 new families. 52 volunteers contributed 667 hours to the nonprofit organization last month.
With the holiday season upon us and times harder than ever, the organization anticipates a greater need for donations than normal.
Hempfield recCenter members have shown up and showed out so far, filling nearly a shopping cart per day of donations. Members have packed the cart full, ensuring meals for those in their neighboring communities.
The work is not over yet.
The Thanksgiving Food Drive continues through November 30. If able, please consider donating any non-perishables by bringing them into the recCenter and placing them inside the shopping cart just inside the main entrance on Stony Battery Road.
If you are in need of food assistance, please contact the Hempfield Area Food Pantry at 717-898-2954 or visit their location on Mondays or Wednesdays between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.