While many families struggle to make ends meet during this economic downturn, a program in Williamsport wants to show how much people in the community care.
There were clothes piled high and all kinds of food spread out Wednesday inside a room at the Pajama Factory in Williamsport.
The mirrors, lamps and countless other items were brought to a revamped factory as part of Caring and Sharing. It's a program that takes donations from Bucknell University students and distributes them to needy families.
"Last year we helped 617 people individually and this year we're hoping to hit at least 700. Hoping to up the number every year," said Joclyn Persun of Caring and Sharing.
She organized the effort this year. She explained families were referred to the program and have one hour to choose three bags of clothing and one miscellaneous item such as furniture.
"They're surprised at how many bags of clothes they get and they get food, and a futon if they wanted one," said volunteer Margo Solomon.
Janet Ryder came in search of odds and ends, saying Caring and sharing is a huge help.
"It helps out a lot. With five kids it's a big challenge," Ryder said.
A big challenge that organizers hope is made somewhat easier by everyone who donated to the cause in turn helping neighbors in a time of need.
"Really without the community's help we wouldn't be able to help the community. So that's the awesome part is how many people pulled in and helped us out," Persun added.
Caring and Sharing lasts until Thursday of next week with a day off for Memorial Day, helping hundreds of people in Williamsport afford things like kids clothes that they may not otherwise be able to get.
There were clothes piled high and all kinds of food spread out Wednesday inside a room at the Pajama Factory in Williamsport.
The mirrors, lamps and countless other items were brought to a revamped factory as part of Caring and Sharing. It's a program that takes donations from Bucknell University students and distributes them to needy families.
"Last year we helped 617 people individually and this year we're hoping to hit at least 700. Hoping to up the number every year," said Joclyn Persun of Caring and Sharing.
She organized the effort this year. She explained families were referred to the program and have one hour to choose three bags of clothing and one miscellaneous item such as furniture.
"They're surprised at how many bags of clothes they get and they get food, and a futon if they wanted one," said volunteer Margo Solomon.
Janet Ryder came in search of odds and ends, saying Caring and sharing is a huge help.
"It helps out a lot. With five kids it's a big challenge," Ryder said.
A big challenge that organizers hope is made somewhat easier by everyone who donated to the cause in turn helping neighbors in a time of need.
"Really without the community's help we wouldn't be able to help the community. So that's the awesome part is how many people pulled in and helped us out," Persun added.
Caring and Sharing lasts until Thursday of next week with a day off for Memorial Day, helping hundreds of people in Williamsport afford things like kids clothes that they may not otherwise be able to get.
