The pandemic has led to more struggles for many families. But it’s also brought communities together to serve those who are in need.

Community Mission’s Coaldale Food Pantry is an example of neighbors working together to fight food insecurity.

Building on the success of a pantry held each Tuesday in Lehighton, the weekly pantry in Coaldale started around the new year and has been serving a growing number of families each week.

“It’s nice to be able to help people who need it right now. The pandemic has struck so many families so hard,” said Kathy Montesrin, Community Mission’s Carbon County Coordinator.

Montesrin started by giving out USDA Farmers to Families food boxes from her porch, after picking them up at the Lehighton pantry. She got Coaldale Borough Council to allow them to set up inside the Coaldale Complex one day per week, which created the opportunity for them to receive their own food deliveries.

“Since we started this, we’ve had an incredible turnout. The numbers rise every week,” Montesrin said.

The pantry serves families regardless of income or location. No one is turned away.

On the day of the food pantry, volunteers pick up some of the food from Community Mission’s Lehighton pantry. More comes on a truck from Shenandoah. Most of the deliveries originate from a food bank in Lancaster County.

During the distribution, volunteers are set up at stations. Recipients are asked to social distance before entering the room where the food is stored. They carry bags which are their own bags, or boxes from the food pantry, which the pantry volunteers fill.

“I’m blessed to have such a good staff to be able to do that. I am very fortunate. They’re a good crew,” Montesrin said.

In addition to the families who are served at the pantry, volunteers also deliver food to people around Carbon County.

The pantry provides foods like vegetables, dairy, meat and grains.

It’s a big help for recipients who were just surviving before the pandemic.

“This helps a lot. I’m on Social Security and everything at the grocery store has gone up,” said Kathy Heffelfinger of Summit Hill.

Jim Sands said that the generosity of the volunteers and the food pantry is greatly appreciated.

“When you’re low-income and you gotta have something to eat, they’re doing it for you, helping you out, they’re great,” he said.

The volunteers say they’re happy to provide it. Rose Keppel of Lansford helps with the Lehighton food pantry, but also helps run food from the Coaldale distribution. Each week she loads her own car, paying for her own gas, to deliver to people who are unable to get to the pantry themselves.

“It feels good in my heart because I know I’m helping somebody get food on their table,” she said.

The Community Mission Food Pantry Coaldale operates from 1-4 p.m. on Fridays at the Coaldale Complex, 151 W. Phillips St. The Lehighton pantry takes place every Tuesday from noon-3 p.m. at Claypool’s General Store 101 N. First St.

The are currently seeking an enclosed trailer to help transport and store donations.

For more information, visit the Community Mission Food Pantry Coaldale Facebook page, or call Montesrin at 570-436-0024, or Esther Folk, Community Mission Schuylkill County Coordinator, at 585-610-9231.