How Pennridge FISH is handling COVID During the Holidays

The Fellowship In Serving Humanity, more commonly known as FISH, is a local non-profit organization right here in Pennridge. They have been providing food, clothing, and emergency financial assistance to the district since 1972. I interviewed the President of the FISH organization Harry Tucker to get a behind-the-scenes look at just how FISH is doing during these troubling times.

Since the global pandemic began, the number of those in need has only increased. According to Pew Research Center, after the global pandemic sidelined 14 million workers in the United States, contributing to one of the lowest unemployment rates on record, food insecurity across the country has greatly risen (Rakesh  Kochhar). This increase in need makes food banks like FISH and the donations from local communities more important than ever!

Holidays are troubling times for families in need, especially during a global pandemic! Luckily for FISH, they have experienced no shortage of materials. President of the FISH organization, Harry Tucker, said they have received an, “Increase in clients and a doubling of contributions from the public, businesses, and individuals”. Unfortunately, because of COVID, FISH has had to cut down on the number of volunteers to obtain minimal contact tracing. They are working with about 12-20 volunteers rather than the 100 they would typically have. For the organization, fewer volunteers mean more hours for those working. President Tucker says, “it’s a lot of hours but you do what you have to do for the people”. The extensive work that the minimal volunteers have been doing is the reason FISH has been able to provide for the Pennridge community during these times.

In order to safely provide for the increasing need during the holidays, FISH has provided a Christmas program. The program gives children up to 17 years old 50 dollars in gift cards. Tucker says, “typically we would have done toys but because of COVID, handling and contact tracing, we went with just gift cards this year to Khols, Walmart, and Target”. FISH’s main goal during the holidays is to allow families to have a nice meal in addition to gift cards to buy gifts for their family. Families may even receive gift cards to Landis and Giant along with the food they are getting on a regular distribution in order to provide a holiday meal. 

What can you do to support Pennridge FISH? As long as the community continues to respond in the way that they have, they are in good shape. Tucker says, “I have nothing but praise for the Pennridge community. The businesses, the churches, and the individuals have all responded so well in these past 10 months”. Currently, Pennridge FISH’s food pantry is open with normal hours, despite COVID, but with a drive-thru type food and resource distribution. Some of their current needs include detergent, toothpaste, sugar, razors, bar soap, toilet paper, and many others which are listed on the Pennridge FISH website. Pennridge FISH is still able to thrive throughout the global pandemic because of the community’s response and generous donations. Take time during the holidays to give back to those in need by visiting FISH’s website and dropping off donations during their hours.