A group committed to commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence took part in a statewide initiative Monday that aims to recognize the impact volunteerism has on communities.
The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial Celebration, which is also known as America250PA, partnered with Feeding America to help spread the word about its mission. That effort resulted in hundreds of volunteers fanning out to affiliated food banks across the state.
In Berks County, volunteers spent the morning at the Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank warehouse in Spring Township filling boxes that will be distributed to families facing food insecurity around the region and then ventured to the Helping Harvest Community Kitchen in Reading to help prepare meals that will be delivered to senior citizens.
Organizers of America250PA said the Pennsylvania Day initiative celebrates the state’s history, heritage and people.
“America250PA has dedicated the occasion to the theme ‘Pennsylvanians Helping Pennsylvanians’ through acts of service across the commonwealth,” they said in a release.
Volunteers participated in projects throughout the state focused on food insecurity and neighborhood beautification in partnership with Feeding Pennsylvania, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, the Giant Company, Natural Food Group, EQT Corporation and PennDOT.