PITTSTON, LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) — The CEO Weinberg Food Bank launched its first-ever Packathon at 7 p.m. Thursday in conjunction with NEPA Gives, a 24-hour online giving event that lets donors support local nonprofits through a single platform.
During the 24-hour window, dozens of community volunteers gathered at 185 Research Drive in Pittston to pack thousands of food boxes. The food bank set a goal of preparing 4,000 boxes before Friday’s 7 p.m. end time.
Mary Ellen Spellman, director of the CEO Weinberg Food Bank, said the Packathon gave the community a hands-on way to connect with the food bank’s mission during NEPA Gives.
“So this is the first time we’re doing this Packathon. It is in partnership with NEPA Gives. We wanted to do something a little bit different, and it further establishes our roots in the community by raising awareness of food insecurity,” Spellman said.
Spellman said the food bank had packed about 2,000 boxes by Friday morning, with the final count expected to climb through the afternoon and meet the 4,000-box goal.
Each box is packed with items such as macaroni and cheese, rice, shelf-stable milk and juice and will be distributed to seniors across Luzerne and Wyoming counties.
Volunteers rotated through the warehouse in groups throughout the 24-hour Packathon, including local businesses, Girl Scouts, Starbucks and volunteers from local food pantries. Spellman noted some shifts were geared toward industrial park partners who work overnight hours and do not often get the opportunity to volunteer.
For more information on the Packathon, visit the Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) Facebook page.