More than 400 volunteers honored for distributing over one million pounds of food across Schuylkill County.
Schuylkill Community Action (SCA) recognized the dedication of its Schuylkill Food Network volunteers at an appreciation banquet on Friday, October 3rd, at Saint Nick’s Hall in Pottsville. More than 400 volunteers serve families across the county; 109 attended the event in person to be honored for their time, energy, and commitment.
Administered by SCA, the Schuylkill Food Network has grown to 22 food pantries—including new locations in Port Carbon and Gordon—now coordinating nearly 250 distributions each year. Over the past 12 months, the network served 6,554 households, supporting 15,305 individuals, and distributed more than one million pounds of food.
SCA CEO Dave Young opened the program by thanking volunteers and partners. “This gathering is a chance to pause and celebrate the heart of our network — our volunteers, our partners, and our community,” he said, later adding, “Because of you, thousands of families across Schuylkill County not only have access to food, they have access to hope, dignity, and better health.”
Food Network Director Jason Schally highlighted the many roles volunteers fill—coordinating sites, collaborating with partners, driving trucks, and lending maintenance support. “You represent the human element of the brick-and-mortar sites in the network… they’re not going anywhere because of you,” Schally said. Food Network Coordinator Brad Dougherty added, “It’s not possible without each and every one of you… I’m grateful and honored to be a part of it.”
County leaders also offered remarks. Commissioner Larry Padora called the volunteers’ work “the difference between a full belly and going hungry,” noting the commissioners’ collaboration with SCA to keep the Food Network strong. Commissioner Gary J. Hess led a prayer for those who hunger and those who provide. Commissioner Boots Hetherington reflected on his own upbringing, saying, “I can’t imagine what it’d be like to go to bed hungry. You all make sure no one has to.”
Special recognition went to Sharon Love, Schuylkill County Block Grant Manager; Amazon representative Jolene McCoy; and several SCA staff members. Guests enjoyed a catered meal by Saint Nick’s Hall, with raffle prizes donated by Amazon and Wegmans.
By the Numbers (Past Year)
- 22 pantries countywide (including new sites in Port Carbon and Gordon)
- ~250 annual food distributions
- 6,554 households served (15,305 individuals)
- 1,000,000+ pounds of food distributed
What’s Next
SCA will continue monthly distributions at all 22 pantries and expand outreach with a new mobile food truck aimed at reaching underserved communities.How to Get Help or Volunteer
Residents seeking food assistance can find the full pantry calendar at schuylkillcommunityaction.com/services/pantry. Updates are posted on Facebook (facebook.com/SchuylkillCommunityAction) and Instagram (instagram.com/schuylkill.community.action.pa).Volunteer opportunities—including packing boxes, assisting at distributions, and serving as pantry coordinators—remain open. Interested individuals or groups can contact the Schuylkill Food Network at (570) 391-6728 or pottsvillepantry@gmail.com.
