Growing up as one of nine children on Kressler Court, Norma Jeffries remembers what it was like to be hungry.
Now, Jeffries is one of many volunteers working to make sure that families have enough food to put on their table, even in a challenging economic environment.
On Saturday, the Scranton Municipal Recreation Authority, in conjunction with Mayor Paige Cognetti and the City of Scranton, teamed up for an annual food drive which has become a Valentine weekend tradition.
Now in its fifth year, the drive started during the COVID pandemic, when many people were struggling to feed their families.
Members of the community were asked to bring non-perishable items such as peanut butter, pasta and soup.
Jeffries is always happy to see participants donating boxes of cereal, a favorite of many families and good source of nutrition. Peanut butter is also a good choice because it provides protein and most kids enjoy it on a sandwich with jelly.
Holy Cross High School sophomores Pete Boles and Elias Stabinski volunteered at the food drive as a service project for school.
The students enjoyed helping and had previously participated in similar food drives.
Jeffries said it was nice to see volunteers from multiple generations with a desire to help other members of the community.
Volunteers had some concern about the weather, with several inches of snow predicted later in the day.
Aware of the forecast, many people came out with their food donations early in the day, Jeffries said.
The donated food will be distributed to local food pantries throughout the Scranton area.
The food drive is scheduled to continue from noon. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Monetary donations are also accepted, either with Venmo or cash.
More information about opportunities to donate is available on the Scranton Municipal Recreation Authority Facebook page.
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