Tamaqua’s 2021 Hunger Campaign has reached its halfway mark and is making progress toward its goal of raising $15,000 for the community’s two food pantries, American Primitive Methodist Church and Trinity United Church of Christ. The two pantries served between 200-300 families a month during pre-pandemic times.

American Primitive Methodist distributes food the second and third Wednesday of the month at 57 Hunter St.; Trinity UCC distributes on an as-needed basis from 22 Lafayette St. by calling 570-668-4139.

The hunger campaign is a project of the Tamaqua Area Faith Fellowship Network under the umbrella of the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership. It’s TAFFN’s ninth hunger campaign. TAFFN is an organization of lay leaders from area congregations.

Numerous businesses and individuals have stepped up to sponsor the campaign with a wide range of contributions.

“We were amazed at the number of people giving us donations at our table at the Tamaqua Heritage Festival,” said Paul Dodson, campaign chair. Donations can be sent to Hunger Campaign, 125 Pine St., Tamaqua, PA 18252.

The Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce became a “virtual walker” fundraiser this week and set a goal of raising $500. Other virtual walkers include Shirley Dodson, Lacey Timony and George Taylor. All virtual walkers encourage their friends and family to support them on their Network for Good web page. Look for the link to the walkers’ webpages on the TAFFN Facebook page.

Organizations collecting food for the campaign include Bethany ECC, Tamaqua BPW, First United Methodist Church, Hidden River Credit Union (Hometown), St. John UCC, St. Luke’s Physical Therapy - Hometown office, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Tamaqua HS (TASGA-Student government), American Primitive Methodist Church and Silberline Manufacturing. To join the list, contact Paul Dodson at 570-668-0289 or dodsonp18252@gmail.com.

One hundred-thirteen quarts of soup have been ordered for the Empty Bowl online sale. Nine soups from area churches and restaurants have been available online since the beginning of October. The plan is to sell 220 quarts. Links to the online sale can be found on the TAFFN Facebook page and many church websites, including www.ziontamaqua.com.

The soups will be distributed on Oct. 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from the social hall at Trinity UCC at the corner of Washington and Lafayette streets in Tamaqua.

Soup purchasers will have the option of selecting a hand-crafted ceramic bowl at the pickup site while supplies last.

Those purchasing soups will also get a raffle ticket good for a chance at one of the restaurants and businesses participating in the campaign’s “Dine Out Against Hunger” day on Oct. 27. Those currently participating in the “Dine Out” event are the Tamaqua Train Station Restaurant, Sister’s Cantina, Pieracini’s Market and Tommy’s. Those businesses are donating a portion of their proceeds that day to the hunger campaign. Contact George Taylor at 570-668-4451 or gtay200@verizon.net to join the list.

The monthlong campaign ends on Oct. 31 with the Tamaqua Hunger Walk, which begins at 2 p.m. from the Tamaqua Art Center. Participants will walk to the eastern end of town and back to the Art Center. Registration begins at 1:30 p.m. Walkers are encourage to recruit sponsors.

Organizations currently signed up to have a team in the walk include St. John UCC, Bethany ECC, Zion Lutheran and St. Luke’s Hometown Physical Therapy. Organizations and individuals are welcome to participate in the walk. Contact for more information or sponsor sheets.