SHAMOKIN, Pa. — The holidays are here, and while some are asking for presents under the tree, others are hoping to get a meal this Christmas.
The Salvation Army of Sunbury and Shamokin is here to help with a holiday food distribution in Shamokin.
"We've been doing this for about 15 years, so every year I go to local businesses and the people in the community, we have to get--usually we need 500 hams," said Brian Persing, food drive chairman.
Brian Persing raises money to buy hams for the food distribution. As of Tuesday, the Salvation Army needs about 250 more hams.
"All the money that I raise for the food stays here to help our people, and it's sad, it's hard to believe that people don't have a meal on Christmas, so like I always said, nobody goes hungry on Christmas," said Persing.
"And that's the thing I like when they come in here, and they say thank you for doing what you do. It's not just thanking me; it's the Salvation Army, Brian, and the other people that put the work into it," said Earl Sheriff Irish Isle Provision owner.
Earl Sheriff owns Irish Isle Provision. He provides the hams at cost.
"It's not here to make a profit, it's here to help out, I think for all the years I've been doing this it makes me feel good, it makes me feel good when i hear people say thank you, we probably wouldn't had a meal and that's when it's all worth doing," said Sheriff.
Hams are $15 each. If you'd like to donate, stop by Irish Isle Provisions or call the store at 570-648-6893.
The Salvation Army of Sunbury and Shamokin's food distribution is set for Monday, December 16th.