Lehigh Valley organizations helping the hungry with free hot Thanksgiving meals
At New Bethany Ministries, about two dozen officers, police staff and students from nearby Broughal Middle School from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday will be preparing Thanksgiving dinner at the interfaith, nonprofit organization’s soup kitchen. In the past, the group has served upward of 200 meals in November for those in need at the New Bethany Ministries Soup Kitchen on West Third and Wyandotte streets.
This year to help thwart the spread of COVID-19, all meals at New Bethany will be packaged after the guest customizes their choices to take home. The dining room will not be open. Guests can choose from roasted turkey and such sides as baked ziti, green beans, corn, gravy, mashed potatoes, and a variety of desserts and beverages.
05/18/2021
Many Lehigh Valley organizations are stepping up to the plate to help the area’s hungry in time for Thanksgiving.
Police officers, citizens and students also are pitching in amid the coronavirus pandemic when many families suddenly found themselves without jobs. In the Lehigh Valley, the latest data from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry shows the region’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate at 7.7% in September, down from 10.4% in August. Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate dipped to 7.3% in October, down 1 percentage point from September’s adjusted rate of 8.3%, the state Department of Labor and Industry said Friday.
However, despite the overall Nov. 5 report from the Labor Department stating the number of those receiving unemployment benefits statewide has declined to 7.3 million, it also indicates many jobless Americans have used up their state unemployment aid. The aid typically expires after six months and many have transitioned to a federal extended benefits program that lasts an additional 13 weeks.
At New Bethany Ministries, about two dozen officers, police staff and students from nearby Broughal Middle School from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday will be preparing Thanksgiving dinner at the interfaith, nonprofit organization’s soup kitchen. In the past, the group has served upward of 200 meals in November for those in need at the New Bethany Ministries Soup Kitchen on West Third and Wyandotte streets.
This year to help thwart the spread of COVID-19, all meals at New Bethany will be packaged after the guest customizes their choices to take home. The dining room will not be open. Guests can choose from roasted turkey and such sides as baked ziti, green beans, corn, gravy, mashed potatoes, and a variety of desserts and beverages.
The event, which is free and targeted to homeless or low-income people, is one of several charity Thanksgiving dinners scheduled in coming days and throughout November in the the Lehigh Valley.
The United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley has compiled a list of additional charity dinners coinciding with the holiday. For those wanting to help volunteer, contact PA 211 East by phone at 2-1-1 or visit PA211East.org. Reservations aren’t required (unless noted below) and all offer “a hot meal and warm fellowship,” the United Way said.
Here’s a list of organizations across the region participating:
Saturday, Nov. 21
Everlasting Life Ministries at Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church, 224 N. Sixth St., Allentown: Meals offered from noon to 3 p.m. Call 610-776-4009 for more information. Donations of turkeys (fresh or frozen); baked and canned goods; and paper products also accepted.
Trinity Episcopal Church, 234 Spring Garden St., Easton: Noon to 1 p.m. Call 610-253-0792 for more information.
Monday, November 23
The Salvation Army of the Lehigh Valley – Allentown Corps., 144 N. 8th St., Allentown: 11 a.m. No full meal, but turkeys will be distributed based on availability.
Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, Nov. 26
Jordan United Church of Christ, 1837 Church Road, Allentown (corner of Route 309 and Walbert Ave.): 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 610-395-2218 for more information.
New Bethany Ministries at Mollard Hospitality Center, 341 W. Fourth St., Bethlehem: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 610-691-5602 for more information.
St. John’s United Church of Christ, 15 S. Second St., Slatington: noon to 2 p.m. Home-delivered meals for the northern Lehigh County area also can be arranged. Call the church at 610-767-5554 for details.
Credit: Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Updated Nov 21, 2020; Posted Nov 21, 2020 leghighvalley.com
