Phi Mu Delta Chapter Aids Volunteer Effort at Food Bank
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Four brothers from the Phi Mu Delta fraternity's Xi Mu chapter at Penn College this week joined the Fabulous Food Packers in helping families served by the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
Ryan J. Bollinger, John E. Jones, Paul M. Lasell and Raymond L. Long worked with the award-winning group of college employees led by Marianne E. DePasqua, a client development specialist with Workforce Development & Continuing Education.
"My fellow brothers and I had a fantastic time getting to know and work with the Pennsylvania Central Food Bank and the Fabulous Food Packers, all while helping families in need around Pennsylvania," said Lasell, chapter president. "Volunteering for this event allowed us to broaden our connections around the Williamsport community, and to show our support for those in need of a helping hand. We, as a chapter, are looking forward to working with these two dedicated groups in future food-packing events hosted at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank."
DePasqua said the group remained afterward to learn more about the operation, winning the admiration of the facility's volunteer coordinator.
“We are empowered by our volunteers, and especially by these young adults getting involved in the community," Cydne Shull said. "They need to know what a difference they can make. Volunteerism is contagious. By these students stepping up, many of their peers may follow in some capacity. We appreciate their work and their interest in learning more about the food bank. It is the foundation of leadership.”
Among the facts they learned? The food bank can provide six meals for every dollar it raises; more than 121,000 children in the agency's 27-county coverage area struggle with hunger; and 900 partners – including pantries, soup kitchens, and child care and senior centers – work together in their common objective.
"We love when our fraternity members not only give back to the campus community, but also the surrounding community," said Allison A. Bressler, assistant director of student activities for programming and Greek life. "We hope to join them in future events to not only support the community, but our students as well!"
Ryan J. Bollinger, John E. Jones, Paul M. Lasell and Raymond L. Long worked with the award-winning group of college employees led by Marianne E. DePasqua, a client development specialist with Workforce Development & Continuing Education.
"My fellow brothers and I had a fantastic time getting to know and work with the Pennsylvania Central Food Bank and the Fabulous Food Packers, all while helping families in need around Pennsylvania," said Lasell, chapter president. "Volunteering for this event allowed us to broaden our connections around the Williamsport community, and to show our support for those in need of a helping hand. We, as a chapter, are looking forward to working with these two dedicated groups in future food-packing events hosted at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank."DePasqua said the group remained afterward to learn more about the operation, winning the admiration of the facility's volunteer coordinator.
“We are empowered by our volunteers, and especially by these young adults getting involved in the community," Cydne Shull said. "They need to know what a difference they can make. Volunteerism is contagious. By these students stepping up, many of their peers may follow in some capacity. We appreciate their work and their interest in learning more about the food bank. It is the foundation of leadership.”
Among the facts they learned? The food bank can provide six meals for every dollar it raises; more than 121,000 children in the agency's 27-county coverage area struggle with hunger; and 900 partners – including pantries, soup kitchens, and child care and senior centers – work together in their common objective.
"We love when our fraternity members not only give back to the campus community, but also the surrounding community," said Allison A. Bressler, assistant director of student activities for programming and Greek life. "We hope to join them in future events to not only support the community, but our students as well!"
Photo provided