The Joshua Project fed the hungry over the summer.
The all-volunteer organization had large turnouts for its Summer Lunch Program and equal participation in its Backpack Program.
At sites in Cobleskill, Middleburgh, Richmondville and Central Bridge, Joshua volunteers served 7,200 lunches this summer, Joshua President Pat Costello said in reviewing the two programs.
Lunches were up about 25 percent from last year’s 5,700, although 2021 was low because of COVID, Mr. Costello said.
“That’s probably the most we’ve done,” he added, pointing to this summer’s participation.
Although Summer Lunch is intended for those in need, the program is open to anyone.
“Probably 80 percent really need it, and 20 percent just come in,” Mr. Costello said. “There’s a lot of socializing, and the 20 percent make the 80 percent more comfortable. We like that.”
With the Backpack Program, Joshua volunteers delivered 175 backpacks to 225 kids every week from the end of school to the end of August.
The program helps kids who depend on school for breakfast and lunch, and each backpack contains five breakfasts and five lunches for each child.
“It was over 22,500 meals, and that’s a very conservative number,” Mr. Costello said. “It’s probably closer to 30,000.”
The United Way funds the Backpack Program, and Joshua workers pack the food and deliver the backpacks.
This year, needy families are feeling the effects of inflation and therefore welcome the deliveries, Mr. Costello said.
“Families are much more grateful. ‘Thank you so much. We don’t know what we’d do without you guys.’ That’s what we heard,” he said.
“They’re in tough economic circumstances. It’s all a sign of the times.”
With its two summer programs finished, The Joshua Project is moving into its fall and winter volunteer work.
•First up is Coats for Kids, which has old and new winter coats; distribution will be in late October.
•Joshua volunteers are planning to put together 450 Thanksgiving baskets for needy families. Families can apply through the organization’s new website.
On October 1 and 8, volunteers from Our Lady of the Valley Church in Middleburgh will be making pies and apple crisp, many of them desserts for the Thanksgiving baskets. Anyone can help, starting at 8am each day.
Volunteers will put the baskets together on November 18 and deliver on the 19th.
•The Joshua Project is also planning Christmas for Kids, with toys and clothing available December 14-16.
One continuing effort is The Joshua Project’s Furniture Program, which picks up donated furniture and has it available for families.
“Lately we’ve had a demand for medical equipment,” Mr. Costello said, adding that volunteers delivered three wheelchairs last week.
“And we have medical beds, too, for anyone that needs them.”
For more information, call The Joshua Project at 518-937-2422.