Summer Update
Dear Friends:
I hope you have been enjoying our summer here in central Pennsylvania. It has been a busy time for the Ecumenical Food Pantry (EFP), as we continue to fulfill our mission of providing emergency food assistance to people in the greater Harrisburg area. With fall just around the corner, I want to take a moment to update you on exciting developments at the EFP, and to thank our generous donors and volunteers.
We held our inaugural Harvest Golf Tournament on May 24, 2021, at Sunset Golf Course. With 132 golfers, as well as 25 sponsors and donors, it was a huge success! Cool weather and a little rain did not dampen anyone’s enthusiasm for supporting the EFP’s work. We are already planning ahead for next year’s EFP Harvest Golf Tournament, which will be held on May 16, 2022, at Dauphin Highlands Golf Course.
Continuing its generous support for our community, Paulus Mt. Airy Orchards held its Blueberry Festival on July 17, 2021, with proceeds benefiting the EFP. The event included not only a delicious pancake breakfast, but also displays by talented artisans. We are grateful to Paulus Mt. Airy Orchards and all who attended the event for their generosity.
The EFP is delighted to have been one of the charities supported by Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Camp Hill’s Christmas in July. A special thank you to those who donated to the EFP through this fun “off-season” effort.
Please mark your calendars! On Saturday, October 23, 2021, we will again be partnering with our neighbors, the Friends of Midtown, as they host a personal care item (e.g., soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.) drive for the EFP. Because we cannot use grant funds to purchase such items, this targeted effort is essential to ensuring we can provide these important supplies to our clients.
We have many developments to share on the EFP board and staffing front. Our new board officers took over the helm beginning July 1. Please visit our website for a full listing of board members. Additionally, although the EFP remains a volunteer-led organization, we are pleased to announce that Deidre Lenker has been named the EFP’s first Executive Director. Deidre’s hiring – combined with the board’s current strategic planning effort – demonstrates our ongoing commitment to a thriving future for the EFP.
The EFP recently added select Saturday hours to its current schedule of 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, Monday through Friday. We rely on volunteers to serve clients during these shifts and to carry out other food pantry functions throughout the week. We are always in need of – and warmly welcome – new volunteers. Individuals can sign up as frequently or infrequently as their schedules allow, and we are happy to accommodate church groups who wish to take an entire shift on a regular basis. Volunteering at the EFP is a wonderful opportunity not only to support neighbors in need, but also to meet other individuals serving our community. Please visit our volunteer page for more information.
Finally, please follow us on Instagram (e_food_pantry) and like us on Facebook (@ecumenicalfoodpantryharrisburg) for additional updates!
With gratitude,
Phil Mackey, Board Chair
