ShopRite of Brodheadsville held a Fill the Truck event on Sept. 19 to help the Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network food pantry fill its shelves. The event took place in the ShopRite’s parking lot, and customers were invited to drive up to the truck and drop off donations.

On hand to help load up the truck was The Iron Pigs mascot Ferrous, who wears the number 26, which is the atomic number for iron.

“Actually we had more people walk over to the truck to donate than drive up to the truck. I think it was because it is such a nice day,” said Colleen Walsh, PVEN’s operations manager.

All totaled, ShopRite collected 2,287 pounds of food and there were many needed groceries in the donations, she said.

“With the pandemic and loss of jobs, the need for food pantries has grown considerably,” said Beth Dale, PVEN Food Pantry manager.

PVEN is a network of area churches that have joined forces to meet the need in their community. The PVEN Food Pantry is just one of the areas.

The network is always looking for volunteers as well as clothing and food donations. If you need more information, go to the Facebook page or call 570-992-3136.