STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Dedicated to addressing hunger and isolation, Monroe County Meals on Wheels volunteers are the eyes and ears for those seeking help.
No matter rain, shine, or snow, staff and volunteers at Monroe County Meals on Wheels in Stroudsburg are hard at work.
It’s an average Thursday morning, getting ready to make deliveries out of its Stroudsburg office, serving more than 300 homebound seniors and adults with disabilities.
"Loneliness is a huge problem, and we try and help with that just in a small way," stated Stacey Koeck, special events coordinator, Monroe County Meals on Wheels
This month in August is extra special as they’re spreading awareness and encouraging donations during Monroe County Meals on Wheels month.
An event that used to just be a day, but expanded due to the need for its resources.
Since its start back in 1972, Monroe County Meals on Wheels has delivered nearly three million meals, whether it be hot, cold, or frozen. This is all thanks to its hardworking, dedicated volunteers.
"We absolutely could not do what we do without our volunteers; if we had to have paid drivers, we would no longer be in existence," explained Koeck.
But it’s more than just a meal, special events coordinator Koeck says in addition to that service, they go the extra mile by also collecting and distributing items through its pet program – and its client needs pantry.
Operating as a nonprofit, she says, they rely on grants and community support.
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"A lot of these people sometimes feel forgotten, that nobody knows they’re there, and these items and things like our birthday and Christmas gifts, they just show that people in the community are thinking about them," expressed Koeck.
Simple household items like deodorant and cleaning supplies can be donated all month long to help those in need at 11 municipal buildings in the county, the most they’ve ever worked with.
"They know that we serve meals to their specific township or borough, and they want to be a part of helping their community," said Koeck.
Eleven township buildings and several libraries in Monroe County have drop-off boxes collecting pet and household item donations all month long.
You can find the list of those locations below:
Client needs pantry drive locations
Barrett Township
Chestnuthill Township
East Stroudsburg Borough
Eldred Township
Jackson Township
Middle Smithfield Township
Polk Township
Smithfield Township
Stroud Township
Tobyhanna Township
Pet food drive locations
Barrett Paradise Friendly Library
Clymer Library
Hughes Library
Western Pocono Community Library
To donate monetarily, head over to the Monroe County Meals on Wheels website.
