St. John's Lutheran Church of Jim Thorpe dedicated funds raised from its 20th Strawberry Social to helping families in the coal region.

The Rev. Tony Pagotto of St. John's and Strawberry Social Chairman Ed Hawk presented Director of Family Promise Natalie Bojko with a check for $1,050 to help with the daily operations of the nonprofit organization.More than 600 people attended the food-based, family fun afternoon to enjoy locally made treats and traditions."One thing that amazes me is how much haluski gets consumed at this thing," Hawk said.Family Promise of Carbon County works to get struggling families on their feet. In 2015, 22 families were assisted."We've served 33 people in the last six months alone," said Bojko.Family Promise is a 90-day program for children and their families who are experiencing homelessness."We are a sober program. We do test for drugs and alcohol upon admission and reserve the right to test throughout their stay. We also complete background checks in order to look for any criminal offenses that are related to violence against children or other people. During the program we provide intensive case management, nutrition classes, parenting classes, finance classes and general support that families need to obtain and maintain successful housing," Bojko said of the program."We're just really grateful for the money. We rely completely on community donations. To get one of this size is incredible," Bojko said."At this point all of our money comes from private donations and grant writing. What we need is people willing to donate money and time to help fundraise. If people are looking to donate we could really use gas cards to help pay for gas to run the van and take clients to work or doctors appointments or the churches," Bojko said.After Bojko and a graduate of the program conducted a presentation about the nonprofit for the Strawberry Social Committee, Hawk said the committee was impressed."We agreed we should partner up with Family Promise. It's a tremendous program," he said."Getting Family Promise connected with the social was important. The presentation with the family that went through the program was really impactful," Pagotto said.According to Bojko, the social was a chance for program participants to get involved in the community."The social was designed to give the community a way to come together. We consider it a church without walls," Hawk said of the event."It has really grown. It's amazing how people are still drawn to old Pennsylvania Dutch traditions," Hawk said."It was a chance for families who've graduated the program to give back," Hawk said."We typically donate to local food pantries," Hawk said. "The biggest glaring need is homelessness in the county. Family Promise has stepped in and filled that gap. Family Promise brought youth, vigor and enthusiasm to the social. They helped with volunteers."The next social is scheduled for the second weekend in June at the church on Sixth and North streets.