Fundraiser planned for Windber Pantry Packs

Dave Sutor, The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.
·2 min read

Apr. 25—WINDBER, Pa. — A group of local veterans are lending their support to the startup Windber Pantry Packs program that provides nutritious meals and snacks to local children facing food insecurity at home.

A basket party fundraiser is scheduled at noon May 5 at the Windber American Legion banquet hall, 312 14th St.

The event is also being supported by Windber VFW Post 4795 and Veteran Community Initiatives.

Money raised will go to the Windber Area Food Pantry for its packs program.

"The community has been so generous and so good with us, to help us," Windber Pantry Packs President Joan Albright said. "With what VCI is doing and the veterans, I couldn't ask for anything better.

"That was the biggest blessing when they called and said we want to help you."

Albright and Mary Weyant, the packs program's director, started the initiative late last year. Its mission is to get food to elementary and junior high children in the Windber Area School District where 54% of students have food insecurity issues, according to Albright. The backpacks, which contain items from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, are distributed to more than 60 children every week.

Tina Pelesky, VCI's director of administration and caregiving, said there are even more students in the district who could use the program.

"Having a 54% food insecurity rate is just not acceptable," VCI founder Tom Caulfield said.

"It's ridiculous. It's absolutely ridiculous.

"We've got to straighten that out."

Caulfield said the involvement of local veterans organizations is helping bolster the program's "credibility."

"It's just what we do in the community," Caulfield said. "This is a good example of how veterans are part of the leadership of the program and what they do. ... What better situation is there than to help the students, the future of our outstanding area and to come in and help them where they need help. These students don't know any better. They're out there and they should be not worrying about things like this."

Albright added: "I think veterans understand the hardships that we have in this community better than anybody else because of their background and experiences."

Tickets are $25 apiece and include lunch, two sheets of basket raffle tickets and a door prize chance. They can be purchased by contacting VCI at 814-255-0355. Tickets can also be bought at the door. There will be a walkthrough from 5 to 7 p.m. May 4 when people can view the items and buy raffle tickets.

Anybody interested in donating a basket or gift card can contact Albright at 814-792-5553, the American Legion at 814-467-5613 or the VFW at 814-467-9656.