Food Pantry Seeks Gifts, Food Donations for Clients

It can be among the busiest times of year for the , said volunteer director Sandy Hersberger.

The Moon-based food pantry, which operates on the grounds of the , has been serving an average of 200 families a week as the holidays approach, Hershberger said.

To meet the growing demand, the pantry seeks donations. The volunteer-operated organization will close its doors for two weeks at the end of December. As a result, it will serve twice as many groceries to clients during the hours of Dec. 13.

Hershberger said the pantry accepts a wide variety of food items during the holidays.

“When I think of winter I think of hot drinks or hot cereal,” she said. “We also look for Christmas dinner items like gravy or cranberry sauce."

On Saturday afternoon, the pantry will host its clients for a Christmas dinner and celebration, complete with a meal and an appearance by Santa Clause for the children.  It’s an event that marks the beginning of the Christmas season for the pantry, Hershberger said.

The pantry will hold its annual Christmas shop at Sharon Presbyterian Church on Tuesday. The annual event provides gifts for families who attend the pantry throughout the year. 

Pantry volunteers are collecting new gift items for the Moon, Crescent, Neville Island and Coraopolis residents eligible to attend the event. Used items are not accepted for the event. 

Volunteers will peruse the shop alongside families to help them select appropriate gift items. Sharon Presbyterian Church and  parish have also teamed up to donate $20 Kmart gift cards to clients.

“Anything for children – toys or games for newborns through teenagers,” Hershberger said of the donations the pantry seeks. “Family gift items as well, something for the whole family or something for a senior citizen by themselves. Mittens, jewelry, lotion, anything someone might like.”