People encouraged to 'Fill the Truck' to help feed the needy

Without donations from the public, Bread of Life food pantry in Etna would struggle to serve its 140-plus families each month with fresh eggs, milk and produce.

“The help is invaluable,” Director Alexis Weber said. “It is our mission to provide and we would never turn anyone away. I don’t know what we would do without the churches and other groups that help throughout the year.”

Bread of Life is one of three local pantries that will benefit from the Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church’s annual drive, “Fill the Truck.”

From 8 to 11 a.m. Feb. 5, a box truck will sit in the church parking lot at 384 Fox Chapel Road, waiting to be stuffed with paper towels, peanut butter and other essentials.

The effort traditionally involves a slew of volunteers who then deliver the goods to Bread of Life, St. Vincent DePaul in Sharpsburg and Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center in Indiana Township.

“The main purpose of this event is to help minimize food insecurities faced by many within our surrounding communities,” said the Rev. Rebecca DePoe, Fox Chapel Presbyterian associate pastor.

“Another benefit is the opportunity for all who participate, including young children who help buy groceries, and teens who load the truck, to come together and experience the joy that comes from helping others in their community.”

Last year, more than 40 people pitched in. They were all ages, from middle school students to church elders.

More than 150 boxes of non-perishable items were collected.

“Since food banks are depleted during the holidays, the timing of Fill the Truck helps to replenish them,” said volunteer Debbie Burke.

The drive is sponsored by the church Board of Deacons for whom hunger ministry is a priority. Items of particular need include boxed dinners, soup, cereal, macaroni and cheese, pancake mix, syrup, pasta and sauce, baking mix and jelly.

Baby supplies, paper products, toiletries, laundry/dish detergent and pet food are also welcome.

“We depend heavily on these large donations,” said Weber, who said need typically dips after the holidays, but this year, that hasn’t been the case.

“We had 143 families at Christmas, and we thought maybe 100 would show up in January,” she said. “It didn’t drop.

“The cost of things like eggs and lettuce right now, it has to be a factor. I think people are coming to the food bank to get the essentials and then they can use their money to meet their family’s other needs.”

Anyone who wants to volunteer can call the church at 412-963-8243.