State Reps. Joe Hohenstein, Pat Gallagher and Ed Neilson and state Sen.-elect Joe Picozzi on Monday visited Caring for Friends to assist in making meals for those in need for Thanksgiving. The officials were joined in the kitchen by volunteers from New Foundations and Philadelphia Academy Charter high schools.
The lawmakers’ staff members, along with Stan Cywinski, of City Councilman Mike Driscoll’s office, also took part in the meal preparation.
The group cut turkey meat and made, labeled and packaged turkey and cheese and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
Vincent Schiavone, CEO of Caring for Friends, 12271 Townsend Road, was on hand to thank the volunteers.
“A great way to give thanks is to give back,” Schiavone said.
State Rep. Amen Brown and an aide to state Sen. Anthony Williams were at the warehouse to pick up meals for their communities.
During Thanksgiving, Caring for Friends will distribute more than 4,000 frozen turkeys with a box of “fixings” with each. Additionally, thousands of freshly made, frozen Thanksgiving meals will be given out to seniors and the homebound through the agency’s 300-plus pantry partners and home delivery clients. Caring for Friends will be making and serving hot Thanksgiving lunches throughout the area to low-income senior HUD residents.
“The need across Philadelphia is just so large,” Schiavone said.
Schiavone said Caring for Friends is always in need of volunteers and donations of money and nonperishable food. Call 215-464-2224 or visit caringforfriends.org ••
