Burns to hold annual food drive in November

EBENSBURG, Oct. 29 – In an effort to help families in need during the upcoming holiday season, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, is holding a food drive through the month of November.

“Once again, I am working with the Dorothy Day Outreach Center at St. Francis University for this year’s food drive,” said Burns. “This is a great opportunity for residents to help their neighbors who aren’t as fortunate, and all donations received will be used to help families and individuals who are struggling during the holiday season.”

Mary Adams, assistant director of the center, said she is expecting to provide 110 families with Thanksgiving dinner this year, up from about 80 last year. With food and gas prices increasing and with recent federal cuts to food stamps, she’s seen an uptick in local residents who are in need.

“It’s just gotten to where the only money people can take from is their food money or their hygiene money,” Adams said. “Now we’re going into winter and every extra penny has to go into their (heating) oil. These people are really stuck.”

Burns and his staff will be collecting nonperishable food donations at his four district offices:

  • 535 Fairfield Ave., Johnstown (Lower Yoder Township).
  • 119 S. Center St., Ebensburg.
  • 112-A Munster Road, Portage.
  • 405 Park Ave., Patton.

While all non-perishable donations are welcome, Adams said the center could especially use boxed goods, such as cereal, instant or scalloped potatoes, pudding and Jell-O, and canned vegetables, such as red beets, sweet potatoes and corn.

Donations are also being collected at participating area schools, including Cambria County Christian School, Saint Benedict School in Carrolltown, and Portage Junior/Senior High School.

Anyone with questions may call Burns’ office at 814-736-7339.