BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Thanksgiving is just one month away and while many families are starting to plan their holiday meals, food pantries are already preparing for a busy season.
69 News Reporter Sydney Kay has more on how you can help one pantry in Bethlehem.
John Marc Rittle, Executive Director of New Bethany, said his organization helps those who are homeless as well as low-income people in the Lehigh Valley by providing free food and housing.
The center is open eight hours a day.
Rittle said the holidays are a very busy time for New Bethany. The organization has a goal for Thanksgiving: to collect 2500 turkeys to give to those in need.
Last year, New Bethany brought in 2200 turkeys.
The group collects the turkeys at the Lehigh Valley IronPigs stadium the Friday before Thanksgiving. People can drive into the stadium and drop off a frozen turkey, Rittle said.
He said at least 20 families a day come through the pantry each day around the holidays.
Rittle said the group relies on donations from the community. A box truck from a farm based out of Reading delivers food to the pantry every Tuesday.
Volunteers drive to Wegmans several times a week, he said.
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