MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Dedicated to addressing hunger and isolation Monroe County Meals on Wheels volunteers are the eyes and ears for those seeking help.
The hustle and bustle at Monroe County Meals on Wheels happen year-round, but this month it’s around-the-clock work.
Special Events Coordinator Stacey Koeck says the event raises awareness about the non-profit and its program drives to benefit clients.
“We have one for our client needs pantry, which are things like deodorant, toilet paper, and other essential items that people need for their home. Then we have our pet food drive for our pet program which is in its 15th year.”
Weatherly Police looking to offload 500 Jell-O shotsGetting townships, boroughs, and public libraries involved as drop-off locations. Koeck says the community and volunteer involvement is what makes the organization thrive.
The more than 200 volunteers work Monday through Friday, delivering both hot meals and cold bagged lunches.
Koeck says the need for those meals continues to grow each year. In addition to rising costs impacting its nearly 350 clients, many of them on fixed incomes.
“They can’t afford to pay the full price that a meal costs so that’s why we fundraise. We need to make up that difference between you know the fifty cents someone can afford to pay and the cost of the meal.”
Monroe County Meals on Wheels Day kicks off on August 17th at the Stroudsburg Farmers Market, with all item drives running through the end of the month.
Client needs drive drop-off locations:
- Barrett township
- Coolbaugh township
- Delaware Water Gap Borough
- Jackson Township
- Middle Smithfield Township
- Polk Township
- Smithfield Township
- Stroud Township
- Tobyhanna Township
Pet program drive drop-off locations:
- Barrett Paradise Friendly Library
- Clymer Library
- Hughes Library
- Western Pocono Community Library