Beat the Heat Fan Distribution: Summer Relief for Our Community
This past summer, on July 30, 2024, Schuylkill Community Action partnered with Vistra Corp. to host our inaugural Beat the Heat event, aimed at helping residents stay cool during the intense summer heat. As part of our monthly food distribution at the Billie Payne Community Center in Pottsville, we distributed 300 box fans to households who regularly rely on our pantry services.
The event provided much-needed relief during the hottest time of the year, ensuring that families and individuals had a simple yet effective way to protect their health and well-being in the face of rising temperatures. The fans were an added support to those already facing food insecurity, allowing recipients to meet two critical needs in one visit.
As we reflect on the success of this event, we are exciting about the possibility of expanding the Beat the Heat initiative for next summer. We recognize the importance of reaching more underserved areas in Schuylkill County and are exploring opportunities to bring this program to additional locations to better serve the broader community.
While the immediate need for cooling assistance has passed with the arrival of cooler weather, we remain committed to ensuring that next summer’s efforts will have an even greater impact. In addition to events like Beat the Heat, our LIHEAP Cooling program continues to help eligible households access fans or air conditioners during the summer months.
We are grateful to everyone who contributed to making this summer’s event a success, and we look forward to providing continued support to our community through expanded outreach in the future.
Volunteer Appreciation Banquet: Honoring our Food Pantry Volunteers
This past September, we had the privilege of hosting the Schuylkill Food Network’s 2024 Volunteer Appreciation Banquet at the Blu Tavern Restaurant & Motel. The banquet was dedicated to honoring the unwavering commitment and hard work of the more than 400 volunteers who support the mission of Schuylkill Community Action’s Food Network. Our volunteers are the heart and soul of our efforts, ensuring that individuals and families in need receive essential food items and nourishment throughout the year.
The event brought together volunteers from across the county, as well as community leaders, to celebrate the positive impact our volunteers make every day. The program featured inspiring speeches that reflected on the vital role these volunteers play, not only in distributing food but also in fostering hope, dignity, and compassion within our community. It was a day of heartfelt gratitude and recognition for the dedication these individuals demonstrate, which allows us to continue making a difference in the lives of so many.
We are incredibly grateful to the Blu Tavern for their excellent hospitality and to everyone who made the event possible. As we reflect on the success of the banquet, we are reminded of the extraordinary power of community and volunteerism – and we look forward to continuing this work together in the years to come.
Upcoming Event: Veterans Resource Fair
Join us for our Veterans Resource Fair on Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Alvernia University – Pottsville CollegeTowne! This free event will provide veterans and their families with valuable services, including Veterans Affairs assistance, financial education, employment opportunities, health and wellness resources, and more. Enjoy free refreshments and informative presentations throughout the day.
Register now to secure your spot and help us plan for the event: surveymonkey.com/r/SCAveterans2024.
We look forward to honoring and supporting our veterans!
A Message from the Executive Director: Prioritizing Community Needs for a Stronger Schuylkill County
Our recent community needs assessment has highlighted essential priorities to improve the quality of life for residents in Schuylkill County. Key focus areas include expanding access to housing for homeless individuals and families, increasing dental services for County residents, and revitalizing older or abandoned homes across the county. We’re also committed to making our community safer and more inclusive for all residents and improving access to transportation, especially in rural areas.
Achieving these goals presents challenges, particularly in securing funding and resources to sustain and grow our efforts. Addressing these needs will require strong partnerships with local organizations, government agencies, and private sector allies. By working together, we can turn these priorities into action, making a lasting impact across Schuylkill County.
David Young
Executive Director, Schuylkill Community Action
