In the midst of the pandemic, the 25 volunteer members of the Emmaus High School Angel Network continue to fulfill their mission “… to provide basic assistance to students in need and support students’ ability to focus on learning…”

Founded over 15 years ago, the Angel Network provides emergency relief for Emmaus High School students and their families until more permanent support systems are established. According to the group’s recent press release, families may receive “emergency food, holiday food baskets that provide students with lunches [during] school break[s], academic [supplies], grants to seniors for post-secondary education, [and] school supplies, hygiene products and clothing.”

These and other forms of assistance are usually paid for with money raised through a series of yearly events as well as community donations.

Sadly, the onset of COVID-19 has made traditional fundraising activities untenable. Starting in the spring, support programs like the yearly Empty Bowls program were cancelled in the interest of containing the virus.

According to Dawn Gallagher, current president of the EHS Angel Network, “… we worried [about] how we could continue to support the need for food, especially considering that the economic effects of the pandemic could increase the number of students and families in need.”

However, in spite of all the difficulties created by the pandemic, concerned individuals and over 40 community organizations rallied in support of the Angel Network. One of the most notable contributors was the EHS Class of 1970.

As their 50th high school reunion approached, members of the Class of 1970 began researching possibilities to create a legacy gift for the school. By unanimous vote, the reunion committee chose to collect donations for the Angel Network.

Before the onset of COVID-19, the plan had been to present a donation check as part of the reunion celebration. When the June festivities were cancelled, the decision was made to continue to accept donations through the fall. By Nov. 5, the Class of 1970 had donated $13,000 to the Angel Network.

In the face of catastrophe, groups like the EHS Class of 1970 and the Angel Network rise above the stress of the moment and offer a helping hand.

Those wishing to participate in this effort may do so by signing up to serve as “Angel Givers.”

Information on how to become part of or donate to this organization is available by filling out the form accessible at https://forms.gle/igah91DZEE8cCEhf8, contacting the manager of the Angel Network Giver List, Kathleen McCourt, at 484-201-3557 or liking the Angel Network Facebook page at http://ehsangelnetwork.org/.