Published: July 07, 2008 12:45 pm         

Mission sees surge in activity

‘July rush’ has brought donations down; food pantry is low

Because a number of economic factors, including $4.15 gas prices, Emmaus Mission Center is more full than usual.

The 48-bed shelter is now home to 38 people.

“I don’t remember it being so busy for a summer for awhile,” said general manager Jason Mitchell.

Mary Williams, the mission center’s executive director, said July and February are the busiest months of the year. She calls it the “July rush.” The summer rush, she said, had hit the facility as early as June this year.

Williams said donations are down during the summer because people are out of town vacationing.

“We have very little in the way of donations,” she said.

She said factory closings had left many people unemployed. Individuals also move more often during the summer months, Williams said.

In July of last year, the food pantry at the Emmaus Benevolence Facility at College and Water streets had to shut down because of lack of money and donations.

The pantry serves more than 2,000 people a month.

Williams said the pantry was in better shape than last year, but the supply is low.

“We’re scraping,” she said.

Canned vegetables, fruit, boxed meals and meat are needed at the food pantry, she said.

The pantry also accepts fresh vegetables, cereal, salad dressing, tea bags, crackers, cookies and dessert mixes.

The pantry is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

Melissa Soria may be reached at (574) 732-5143 or via e-mail at melissa.soria@pharostribune.com.