The 15th annual Tamaqua Area Hunger Campaign begins Thursday with a Community Hunger Campaign Kickoff Concert from 6:30-8 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Tamaqua.

The concert will feature acoustic entertainment by Jay Smar; Waiting For Eyes, featuring Ryan and Kyle Dunkleberger; and Jason DeMarco and guests.

Canned and other nonperishable food donations are requested at the concert, and monetary donations also will be accepted. Soft drinks and snacks will be available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit the campaign.

The kickoff concert begins a month of activities designed to raise food and financial support for local hunger-relief programs. The campaign brings together churches, community organizations, businesses and individuals in an effort to address hunger in the Tamaqua area.

Honorary chairman of the 2026 campaign, Tamaqua-area native and retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Tony Konecny, said his commitment to the community comes from the values he learned growing up in Schuylkill County.

“Although my service took me far from home, my heart has never truly left Tamaqua,” Konecny said. “I continue to support Tamaqua programs because of the unbreakable bonds formed during my upbringing in Schuylkill County. Every time I look back, I see a community of caring, committed people who refuse to let their neighbors fall through the cracks.”

Konecny noted that the 2025 campaign raised more than $25,000 to help stock local food pantries through the generosity of businesses, organizations and individuals.

“Our community is only as strong as its most vulnerable members,” he said. “A nutritious meal is not a luxury; it is a basic necessity. Ensuring our neighbors have access to food is more than an act of generosity — it is a shared responsibility.”

Following the Oct. 1 kickoff concert, the campaign will continue with a variety of activities throughout the month.

• Oct. 5: Online Community Soup Sale begins.

• Oct. 11: Soup orders and donations will be accepted at the Tamaqua Heritage Festival.

• Oct. 13 and 18: Boyer’s Feed a Family Days. Customers can purchase a $10 grocery bag containing more than $10 worth of food for families in need. Cash donations also will be accepted.

• Oct. 21 and 22: Dine Out Against Hunger. Participating local eateries will contribute to the hunger campaign through this community fundraising event.

• Oct. 25: Final Community Soup Sale ordering date.

• Oct. 31: Soup distribution will be held from 9-11 a.m. at St. John XXIII Parish.

• Oct. 31: New this year is Zumbathon with Lisa at The Perla Building, 9-11 a.m.

The campaign will culminate with the 15th annual Tamaqua Area Hunger Walk on Nov. 1.

The Tamaqua Area Hunger Campaign is a cooperative effort of the Tamaqua Area Faith Fellowship Network and the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership. Funds and food collected through the campaign support local hunger-relief efforts, including four area food pantries and a baby food ministry.

The community is invited to attend the Oct. 1 kickoff concert and participate in the activities scheduled throughout October. Food and monetary donations throughout the campaign will help local hunger-relief programs continue serving individuals and families in the Tamaqua area.