When Annabel Wulfhart spoke to Chestnut Hill Rotary members back in August, she never thought that it would lead to a food drive for her organization, Papermill Food Hub, which services families in need in the Kensington section of Philadelphia.
Once the resident of nearby Mt. Airy spoke, member and Community Service Chair, Maggie Stoeffel knew that the club had to help. After speaking with Wulfhart, it was clear that a food drive would be the most effective way to help.
“It is unbelievable, the amount of food that the Rotary Club brought in and went to the supermarket on the week of Thanksgiving,” said Wulfhart. “They were so enthusiastic sorting and packing and my whole car is full of bags of food!”
Chestnut Hill Rotary volunteers prepare more than 30 bags of food and supplies for families in need.
Wulfhart, a social worker, started Papermill Food Hub — named because of the building’s previous use — witnessing first-hand the living conditions of some of her clients in Kensington section of Philadelphia. The area is infamous for extreme poverty and the open-air drug market fueled by the opioid crisis. Every week, her team of volunteers brings a box of grocery and pantry items, including diapers, detergent, and toilet paper to in-need families in Kensington.
“It was fun! In about 20 minutes, we filled to the brim nearly 30 bags of food and supplies,” said member Leslie Shure, one of the organizers of the projects. “I am overwhelmed by the generosity of our club!”
