BOYERTOWN PA – First Energy Corp. has donated $15,000 to Boyertown-based Preston’s Pantry, in an effort to assist area families facing food insecurity. The electric utility, which in part serves portions of Berks and Montgomery counties, offered its contribution during Hunger Action Month.
The month, observed in September, represents a national campaign to ensure families-in-need are nourished, and to inspire efforts to end hunger.
Preston’s Pantry is named for the late Preston Dray, who died with other members of his family in a flash flood. Preston, at age 8, ran a successful food drive for Boyertown Area Multi-Service as a school project. Its pantry, supported by Preston’s admirers, was named in his honor and memory.
First Energy’s gift arrives “at a critical time,” according to Frank Buttaro Jr., director of development and marketing for Boyertown Area Multi-Service. In Pennsylvania alone, he notes, more than 1.7 million people, including nearly 475,000 children, regularly face hunger. That means 1-in-8 people, and 1-in-6 children, in the state “struggle to find their next meal.”
Meeting Rising Demands
Preston’s Pantry distributes thousands of pounds of food annually to individuals and families across the two-county area. First Energy’s $15,000 contribution is being used by Boyertown Area Multi-Service to purchase food, cover transportation costs, and sustain operations to meet rising demands.
“Supporting organizations like Boyertown Area Multi-Service is part of First Energy’s commitment to strengthening the communities we serve,” says Marisela Fuster, the company’s regional external affairs consultant. “We are proud to partner with (the agency) during Hunger Action Month to help ensure no child or family goes hungry,” she adds.
“First Energy’s generous support ensures that Preston’s Pantry can continue to provide nutritious food to hundreds of families each month,” Buttaro observes. “This partnership reflects the power of community collaboration to bring hope and stability to neighbors in need.”
Preston’s Pantry was one of 37 Pennsylvania food banks and pantries to receive a total of $750,000 in grants distributed by The First Energy Foundation.
Founded in 1972, Boyertown Area Multi-Service is a non-profit organization dedicated to meeting social service and community needs of individuals and families in Berks and Montgomery counties. Its programs include Preston’s Pantry, Meals on Wheels, the Center at Spring Street, and the Ricketts Community Center.
Top photo from Getty Images on Unsplash+, used by Travels With The Post under license
Above photo provided by First Energy Corp. via Flickr
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