What a wonderful day we had Oct. 14 at our food pantry distribution. We had record attendance numbers and have been increasing steadily since we opened in January.

A big thank-you shoutout is extended to both Whitehall-Coplay School District for sending a reminder to all the low-income households in the district and to our wonderful volunteers who work so diligently to help our community.

We served 186 households - 152 in Whitehall and 34 in Coplay - during the Oct. 14 distribution. These households were comprised of 606 residents, including 233 children, 279 adults and 94 seniors.

We also registered 46 new households. The car attendance lines were long and nonstop for the second month. We had a 21-percent increase in total residents served in one month.

Just as a comparison, we served 146 households - 121 in Whitehall and 25 in Coplay - at the Sept. 9 distribution. Those households were comprised of 480 residents, including 194 children, 211 adults and 75 seniors. Additionally, we registered 44 new households Sept. 9.

When we first opened the pantry Jan. 14, we served and registered 91 households, with 54 in Whitehall and 37 Coplay, comprised of 308 residents, including 113 children, 141 adults and 54 seniors.

We came very close to doubling the number of people we served in 10 months.

Please note that not every registered household attends every month. Since January, we have 296 households registered. Some have returned to their jobs; others took new jobs during our distribution times; some moved out of Whitehall and Coplay; some no longer have people to bring them or pick up food for them; and some do not need the food.

We are here to help any resident who needs food. No one should go hungry. Please contact me.

We request these items for the coming holidays: Stove Top stuffing, boxed mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce.

Other items needed: Chef Boyardee, canned soup, granola/cereal bars, Hamburger Helper, macaroni and cheese boxes, pancake syrup, plain or flavored rice, rice and pasta sides and tomato/spaghetti sauce. See more at tinyurl.com/WCHIPantryList.

Also, some businesses and household neighbors in local subdivisions and local clubs have contacted me to do future food drives. See more at tinyurl.com/WCHIdrive.

Whitehall-Coplay Hunger Initiative is registered for the Amazon Smile program. Visit https://tinyurl.com/ymxz45cf. When you shop at Amazon, the company donates a percentage of your eligible purchases. Amazon Smile offers the same products, same low prices and same services as the Amazon you know. You also can donate products to WCHI. Simply browse, order and enjoy giving.

Since WCHI is all about feeding residents, WCSD has asked me to spread the word it is looking for new employees in the food services department. To apply, go to whitehallcoplay.org/Page/3449 and scroll down to school cafeteria for a job application.

Have a great week!