The Joshua Project’s Summer Lunch program is going strong––so strong, in fact, that volunteers need help.
Served in Middleburgh, Cobleskill, Richmondville and Central Bridge, Summer Lunch is open to anyone, and plenty are turning out, Joshua President Pat Costello told about 30 volunteers Tuesday night.
The site at the Middleburgh High School is drawing 200-plus a day, and organizers Bill and Karen Simmons “are doing an amazing job,” Mr. Costello said.
However, they need help with prep, serving and cleanup.
Like other sites, Middleburgh has a grill day, and “sometimes it’s just me” helping, said volunteer Stephanie Tinker.
“We need people, especially Thursdays and Fridays,” Mr. Costello said. “Almost every Thursday, we need people.”
Volunteers can sign up via the Joshua Project’s website, joshuaschoharie.org and going to the ‘volunteer’ option.
Cobleskill Summer Lunch, at the United Methodist Church, is doing well but also needs volunteers, Mr. Cosello said.
Central Bridge, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is drawing 20-30 per day, as is Richmondville, at the United Methodist Church.
People can volunteer for those sites, too.
Summer Lunch’s companion program, Backpack, is going well, too, but could also use volunteers.
Summer Backpack delivers a week’s worth of food to needy families every week.
So far, the program is reaching 212 kids and 83 families, said Carrie Foland, who with her husband Dennis, runs Summer Backpack.
“Every day I get more families,” said Ms. Foland. “I don’t want to say no.”
Although the Folands have 13 drivers to deliver food, they and others need help unloading boxes of food Thursdays at Middleburgh High School and then packing bags Friday mornings.
“The boxes are heavy, and we could use help,” Ms. Foland said of the Thursday work.
Volunteers can show up between 8:30am and 8:45am at the back door of Middleburgh High School.