All the guests we served Jan. 14 were so very appreciative of the food and toiletries we provided to them. Some actually have texted and called me to let me know they are so grateful we were able to open a food pantry.

We served 91 households - 54 from Whitehall Township and 37 from Coplay Borough - comprised of 113 children, 141 adults and 54 seniors aged 60 and over.

The new food pantry is located at 3024 S. Ruch St., Stiles.

Patricia Karo and I registered all our guests as required for a food pantry and to have contact tracing for COVID-19. While registering our guests, many voiced the hardships they have been facing, and I wanted to share some of this with you.

Several seniors mentioned they own their homes and live on a fixed income, adding real estate taxes are starting to be worrisome since they no longer can afford to pay home expenses. They also have looked at assisted living locations and apartment rentals and are finding it best to stay in their homes.

Many seniors have also said their medications are getting to be expensive, and they have to choose between medicine and food. Many never thought they would need food assistance. Some no longer drive and need to rely on neighbors, friends and family to bring them.

We have many single adults and adult households with no children. We have households with children that either have two adults or a single-parent household with children. We also have many multigenerational households. Some households have several children, plus foster children.

For many of these households, these are working people who still fall below the poverty line. They work two or three jobs to make ends meet. Many only have one car in the household, and that person is at work when we have our distributions. Some people barely have enough gas to commute to work. A family member, friend or neighbor brings them.

Many people have lost their jobs recently, and they have not received their unemployment checks. For most, the unemployment benefits are only a fraction of what they were earning.

There are many unemployed people right now living in very nice neighborhoods in Whitehall and Coplay. They also have housing expenses to maintain and are looking for work. Many have children and have cried on the phone with me after the distribution because they were in desperate need of food and did not want people to know their situation.

I wanted to write this article because over the last few years, several residents in both Whitehall and Coplay have called me to voice their opinion that our guests just want a handout, have no interest in working and all are on welfare and sit home and watch television all day. This is so far from the truth that I felt compelled to let you know who our guests really are.

Please look after your family members, friends and neighbors. We are here to help all Whitehall and Coplay food-insecure residents.

Call or text me with any questions you may have at 484-225-0358. Have a great week!