More than 40 Chestnut Hill Rotary volunteers collected, sorted, and delivered a dozen carloads of warm clothing, food, and medical supplies to Prevention Point Philadelphia (PPP) in honor of Martin Luther King's Day of Service.
Chestnut Hill Rotary has a tradition over the past few years collecting donations from members, friends and neighbors of the local community and deliver to PPP for use by their clients.
PPP, a 30-year-old organization, is located in the Kensington section of Philadelphia in the heart of the drug crisis. They provide an array of programs and services for more than 36,000 people each year focused on harm reduction.
In this video, you will hear from PPP's Board Chair, Ann Ricksecker and Chestnut Hill Rotary's Community Service Chair, Maggie Stoeffel, who discuss the importance of supporting this community.
There are a lot of misconceptions about people who are affected by drug use. “The human condition for people who have found themselves addicted to drugs is that decision-making and quality of life is completely challenged,” says PPP Board Chair, Ann Ricksecker. “Many people believe that they should just stop taking drugs.” But Ricksecker points out that the reasons people are addicted to drugs are “very complex.”
“The notion that people who are dependent upon drugs are weak is actually the opposite.”
PPP was originally founded in 1991 by Act Up in response to the HIV epidemic Under increasing response and pressure, Mayor Rendell issued an executive order in 1992 legalizing the possession of syringes in Philadelphia.
New Chestnut Hill Rotary member, Patrick Duffy loading up his car for delivery to PPP.
“The notion that people who are dependent upon drugs are weak is actually the opposite. The people we serve are incredibly strong and resilient,” said Ricksecker. “That they can survive at all is a remarkable stamp.”
“Opioid addiction specifically could happen to anyone of us,” said Maggie Stoeffel, Chestnut Hill Rotary Community Service Chair. “Almost every family knows somebody that had a sports injury, was given some prescription pain meds and went down a very slippery slope.” Stoeffel has been organizing community service projects for Chestnut Hill Rotary for several years.
“We would not be able to do what we do without the generous donations of items from agencies like Chestnut Hill Rotary,” said Ricksecker. “With the weekly donations, we have the ability to provide food for people who come into the Drop-In Center, warm clothing for people who have nothing, and other supplies, it really makes their lives far more healthier and happier.”
