SHAMOKIN, Pa. — Cars lined West Chestnut Street in Shamokin Monday morning, and volunteers handed out what these families asked for this Christmas food on the table.
"The kids from the Shamokin High School are here, with Mr. Weller, our guidance counselor, and they're loading the cars up with the toys and all it's everything, it's food, toys, everything," said Brian Persing, food drive chairman.
Earlier this month, Newswatch 16 introduced you to Brian Persing, food drive chairman for the Salvation Army of Sunbury and Shamokin.
He raises money to help buy the hams for their annual food distribution. Thanks to your help, the group was able to buy 732 hams, the equivalent of $10,980.
"We take it for granted, there's a lot of people that need, that need this meal that need their toys for Christmas," said Persing.
In addition to the food giveaway, it was also the Salvation Army of Shamokin's toy drive distribution.
"Because of their efforts, over 7,000 toys will go through our office this year, over 500 food boxes in the end, and it's just a heartwarming feeling to know that the community is taken care of and the children are ultimately are gonna have a really nice Christmas thanks to the communities support," said Judy Orner, Shamokin Salvation Army director of community services.
Their efforts are helping families like Trista Barvig's in many ways.
"They're gonna be pretty happy; they love food, so it actually kind of helps cause they eat a lot too," said Trista Barvig, Shamokin.
Persing says the Salvation Army plans to do another food distribution for Easter.