To me, it is insane that in this day and age, in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, people still go hungry. Yet, that is exactly what is happening. In Pennsylvania alone, well over 1.77 million people are routinely food insecure, including over 507,000 children. That is, they lack access to consistent and nutritious food. Estimates may be low, however, as many people who experience food insecurity don’t talk about it and choose to suffer in silence because they are too embarrassed to ask for help. Research has shown that lack of consistent, nutritious food affects all aspects of life, including physical, mental, and social well-being. In the Jersey Shore area, the amazing volunteers of the Jersey Shore Care and Share have been working tirelessly to fill this gap because they understand it is up to all of us to help our neighbors.
To aid in the fight against hunger, bike riders Ken and Penny, a.k.a. The Parks-Dean Team, will be riding 65 miles of Pine Creek Rail Trail (Wellsboro to Jersey Shore) on September 5th to raise funds for the Jersey Shore Care and Share Food Pantry. The fundraising event will be called We Ride, We Care, We Share.
About the duo. Ken and Penny are in their 60s and (in their words) are most certainly not elite athletes. Between them, they have had seven total knee replacements and a few additional physical challenges. However, they also have big hearts and a huge belief in doing what they can to make a difference for others.
Jersey Shore Care and Share Inc is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that provides food pantry and distribution services to those experiencing food insecurity or shortages to assist with proper nutrition and health. Located at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 229 Broad Street in Jersey Shore, Jersey Shore Care and Share is supported by more than 27 local church congregations with a community-based spirit. Their motto, “God’s work, our hands,” is put into service for residents of the Jersey Shore community and surrounding areas.
Jersey Shore Care and Share is an all-volunteer program with a board of directors. Their volunteers come from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. They are dedicated, local church congregation members, high school students, athletic teams, civic clubs, and community members with a desire to serve those in need. The ages of their volunteers range from teenagers to centenarians and fulfill a broad range of tasks during pantry operations, including offloading food items, packing distribution boxes, preparing and placing items into carts, and loading vehicles. Other individuals conduct registration, traffic control, and site support.
The Parks-Dean Team is asking for your support in this fundraising endeavor. Electronic donations can be made via http://www.jerseyshorecareandshare.com or checks (with Jersey Shore Care and Share as payee) can be mailed to them at:
The Parks-Dean Team
8 North Dickinson School Road
Carlisle, PA 17015
If you have any questions about the event or want more information, please call Ken and Penny at 717-448-4281. Jersey Shore Care and Share offers a monthly drive-through food pantry on the second Friday of each month from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. and a walk-through pantry of choice on Mondays from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at their host facility at 229 Broad Street, Jersey Shore, PA. For more information about Shore Care and Share, please visit their website at https://jerseyshorecareandshare.com.
