Posts filed under: events

Pottstown CROP Hunger Walk

Sunday, OCTOBER 13, 2019

Join TEAM “Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities”

Walk.  Give.  Change the World.

The Pottstown CROP Hunger Walk is a community-wide event sponsored by Church World Service and organized by local congregations or groups to raise funds to end hunger at home and around the world.

The Pottstown CROP Hunger Walk is the heart and “sole” of Pottstown. It is the only event that brings together all members of our community — young and old, all faiths and walks of life for a common goal — to end hunger, one step at a time! This year we invite you to join our team or gather a team and help end hunger and poverty in the Greater Pottstown area.

The Pottstown CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday, October 13, 2019, will support the efforts of the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities (PCRC) to eradicate hunger in the Greater Pottstown area. A portion of the funds raised here in Pottstown will go to the hunger-fighting work of PCRC.

The 2019 CROP Hunger Walk will take place on Sunday, October 13, 2019, at First Presbyterian Church located at 750 N. Evans Street, Pottstown, PA, 19464. Registration will open at 1:30 pm and step-off time is 2:00 pm. Participants have the option of walking one or five miles.

Join team “Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities” here.

 

On Tuesday, October 15, 2019, hundreds of area residents are going to show their support for their favorite nonprofit during the Amazing Raise. On that day, every donation and donor we get will go further to help us claim our share thousands of dollars in matching funds. What we are really excited about is that this is going to be a big event, and everyone will be talking about who they’re supporting. Think “American Idol” and we’re in the try-outs but need your support to make it to the top.

You can help by doing these three things:

1. Mark Tuesday, October 15, 2019 on your calendar and add this link: amazingraisetricounty.org/PottstownCluster

2. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and help build the buzz.

3. Spread the word!  Tell your friends and family why you think they should help us with their donation. Please be our champion, and help us see it to the top!

We can’t wait to celebrate the difference your generosity will make on October 15, 2019!

PCRC Holiday Gift Distribution

PCRC Holiday Food Boxes and Gift Program

About the 2019 Holiday Program:  PCRC will be distributing 200 food boxes to families in Pottstown along with toys for up to 250 children (under the age of 16).

The toy distribution will be on Monday, December 9, and the last day of toy donations will be Friday, December 6. The food box distribution will be Wednesday and Thursday, December 18 and 19. The last day for food donations will be Friday December 13.

Volunteer Opportunity: Help sort and organize toys and food in preparation for the distribution to children and families.

Time commitment: The holiday program needs volunteers on Saturday, December 7, from 10:00 am-2:00 pm; Monday, December 9, from 9:00 am-3:00 pm (broken down into 2-hour shifts 9:00 am-11:00 am, 11:00 am-1:00 pm, 1:00 pm-3:00pm — only looking for 4-5 volunteers per time slot); and December 18 and 19 (both days from 9:00 am-1:00 pm. Also in 2-hour shifts).

For more information or to volunteer, contact volunteer@pottstowncluster.org

PCRC Monthly Challenge Flyer
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Wine Not

On May 9, 2019, over 65 women gathered from all parts of the Greater Pottstown area for an evening of fine wine, fellowship, and fundraising at the inaugural “Wine” Not? Women Helping Women event at the Stone Barn Cellars Winery. During the event, guests enjoyed wine tastings, a delectable dinner donated by local organizations and event committee members, and prizes such as must-have luxury women’s themed gift baskets. 

Event attendees came together to not only celebrate the women in their lives, but to also raise funds to support local under-resourced women. The need is great in Montgomery County, PA, as the largest demographic living in poverty is Female 18-24, followed by Female 25-34, and then Female 35-44. Last month PCRC served 257 families with women as “head of household.” 

Because of the women who joined us in our mission and supported the event, we were able to surpass our fundraising goal to provide local under-resourced women with food security, housing stability, and supportive services and education. We are already looking forward to the second annual Women Helping Women event in May 2020. “Wine” Not join us next year? 

Please visit our website frequently at pottstowncluster.org, or look for PCRC communications to come for information about next year’s event!

Barb Basket
Wine Not
Wine Not
Wine Not
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“Celebrate Service with Heart” is the theme of the upcoming You Gotta Have Heart fall FUNraising event.

SAVE THE DATE You Gotta Have HeartYou are invited to join us at our 8th annual fundraiser “You Gotta Have Heart” on Thursday, September 26, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at The SunnyBrook Ballroom.

“Celebrate Service” with us during an evening of fine food (dinner), awards, inspirational stories,
entertainment, FUNraising, and more! All proceeds support PCRC’s mission.

To learn more, or to become a sponsor, please contact Merri Brown: call 610.970.5995 or email mbrown@pottstowncluster.org; or visit pottstowncluster.org/yougottahaveheart.

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Everything You Need to Know Happening at PCRC

New Volunteer Opportunity: Delivery Drivers Needed in a Digital Effort to Improve Food Pantry Access

Looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity that allows you be a part of a hunger-fighting solution? We are in need of volunteer delivery drivers to deliver food to homes in a digital effort to improve food pantry access.

Visiting a food pantry can be a challenge. The limited hours, the stigma, the difficulty of finding transportation, and some people’s physical disabilities all can make visiting a daunting experience.

To improve food pantry service, the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities has joined MontCo Anti-Hunger Network (MAHN), Advanced Living Communities (parent company of Schwenckfeld Manor, a Lansdale housing site), and the HealthSpark Foundation to connect people to food pantries via the computer. This new hunger-fighting solution mimics online grocery ordering and provides people with the option to order pantry food from a website.

Can you help? We are looking for:

  • Delivery drivers who can be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays
  • Ability to report to PCRC at 9:30 am
  • Make 2-6 food deliveries to homes in the area
  • Must have reliable vehicle (using own vehicle)
  • Ability to lift 35 lbs (loading and unloading vehicles)

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Save the Date!

“Celebrate Service with Heart” is the theme of the upcoming You Gotta Have Heart fall FUNraising event.

SAVE THE DATE You Gotta Have Heart

You are invited to join us at our 8th annual fundraiser “You Gotta Have Heart” on Thursday, September 26, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at The SunnyBrook Ballroom.

“Celebrate Service” with us during an evening of fine food, awards, inspirational stories, entertainment, FUNraising, and more! All proceeds support PCRC’s mission.

To learn more, or to become a sponsor, please contact Merri Brown: call 610.970.5995 or email mbrown@pottstowncluster.org; or visit pottstowncluster.org/yougottahaveheart.

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Everything you need to know happening at PCRC!

Are you ready for the MADNESS of our March Donation Drive?

Learn more in Pantry Particulars – and join the MADNESS of the Cleaning Supply Challenge!

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Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast on Thursday, April 11

If you are a current or past PCRC volunteer, or if you are considering becoming a volunteer, we want to celebrate you at our Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast!

Volunteer Breakfast Invitation

R.S.V.P. Today: 610-970-5995 ext. 108 or email communications@PottstownCluster.org . R.S.V.P. deadline Friday, April 5.

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Upcoming Events – more information to come!

  • Ladies’ Night Out Event – Coming this Spring, Details soon!
  • Annual Signature Page Fundraising Opportunity in June – Information coming soon!
  • Save the Date! Fall Fundraising Event on Thursday, September 26

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You DID Have Heart for PCRC, and We are Grateful

You Gotta Have Heart program

Click image to view the program

On Thursday, October 4, 2018, the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities (PCRC) friends and staff gathered at The SunnyBrook Ballroom for an evening of fun — including a Photo Booth and event photo backdrop — and fun-raising benefitting the organization. Once again, Joe Ciresi generously donated his time and talents as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, engaging guests with his affable presence and sense of humor, and even entertaining and leading the crowd singing “You Gotta Have Heart” (with his personal accompanist, Marie Anderson, who kindly attended the event to share her talents as well!).

PCRC’s staff member Danielle Gadsden shared her inspiring and emotional story, as well as her gratitude and support of PCRC in a video presented during the program. At the end of the video, she made a compelling plea of a call to action that hopefully inspired others. (video below)

PCRC is grateful for the major event sponsors that included, at the “Big Heart” level, the Scott and Susan Bentley Fund; “Beating Heart” Specialty sponsor Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Voytilla; “Happy Heart” Specialty sponsor Mr. and Mrs. Karl Glocker; “Compassionate Heart” Specialty sponsor Mr. and Mrs. Rick Dhein and Sager & Sager Associates, and “Hungry Heart” Specialty sponsor Brownback’s United Church of Christ. “Heart and Soul” sponsors included Mr. and Mrs. Don Gill, Pottstown Hospital Tower Health, Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation, The Hill School, Body-Borneman Insurance, Wolf Baldwin and Associates, and Reed’s Fuel Oil.

The “You Gotta Have Heart” event committee — Linda Voytilla, Mary Ann Glocker, Elizabeth Peters, Gayle Wolf, Barbara Wilhelmy, and Merri Brown — provided countless hours and resources to support this event. Without their tireless efforts, the evening would not occur. On behalf of the staff, Board of Directors, and all the individuals we serve, PCRC extends its heartfelt thanks.

You Gotta Have HeartThe evening’s social hour entertainment was local artist and “Rising Star Contest” winner Stephanie Grace and her band. Despite the dismal weather, forcing the band to set up indoors, (originally planned for the outdoor patio) they played with great energy and brought their own sunshine in!

A hearty thank you to all who donated the wonderful raffle baskets, including a “Mystery Basket” donated by our Board of Directors, which generated a lot of interest and “fun-raising!”  

New PCRC Community Awards

Helping Hands AwardPCRC instituted and presented two new awards at the event: the Cluster Community Award and the Helping Hands with Heart Award.

The “Cluster Community Award,” which honors someone who advances PCRC’s mission, making an impact in the community, was awarded to Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro. Josh’s commitment to Montgomery County, including his strong support of Your Way Home Montgomery County, has made a significant contribution to PCRC’s ability to improve the lives of those we are serving in the County.

You Gotta Have HeartThe Attorney General sent a video message, as he was unable to attend the event, with personal remarks about the award and PCRC, mentioning how he “was always happy to have any opportunity to support PCRC,” and how PCRC “brings together people of all faiths, and from a wide variety of service organizations to give a helping hand to those in need.” Anthony Luker, the Attorney General office’s Education and Outreach Specialist, accepted the award on Mr. Shapiro’s behalf. Mr. Luker offered kind, supportive remarks, thanking PCRC for the work it continues to do in the community addressing food security, housing stability, and supportive and educational resources. (see the video message below)

You Gotta Have HeartFrank Cebular, dedicated PCRC volunteer and Board member, was presented with the Helping Hands with Heart Award by current Board president Mary Ann Glocker. This award honors someone for dedicated service to and support of PCRC’s mission. Frank has been on the PCRC Board of Directors for six years. He currently serves as the Vice President, Chair of the Property Committee, and sits on the Governance and Finance committees. During his tenure on the Board, he has also been in the positions of President, Treasurer, and Secretary.

Along with his wife, Cindy, Frank has been volunteering for several years at the PCRC pantry in the warehouse, and he spends at least two days a week at PCRC’s new property, 61 North Franklin Street, working diligently and tirelessly for the PCRC staff to be able to start working in that space. (see feature story on Frank here)

PCRC is thankful to all who “Had a Heart” for PCRC at this event, and we look forward to our continued partnership helping us to serve our neighbors in the greater Pottstown area, providing tangible services, support, and spiritual guidance to address our clients’ basic needs. We strive to Nourish Lives and Strengthen Families, and you have helped us reach that goal. For that, we are most grateful.

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Slideshow of the You Gotta Have Heart event

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Everything you need to know happening at PCRC!

Fall Appeal

You will soon be receiving our Fall Appeal in your mailbox as well as your email inbox. We depend on your generosity, especially around the holidays, to help the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities (PCRC) continue to help our clients improve their overall stability. We thank you in advance for supporting this annual appeal!

PCRC Holiday Info2018 Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities Holiday Program

WHEN: Sign up Monday, November 5,  from 1:00 – 3:00 pm or Monday, November 12, from 9:30 am – noon

WHO: The first 200 families/250 children (must be currently registered to use the PCRC Pantry)

WHAT: Holiday food box and gifts for children ages 0-16 years old

QUESTIONS: Email Kelli DeSieno at KDeSieno@PottstownCluster.org or call 610-970-5995

PLEASE BRING A PERSONAL CARE ITEM TO DONATE (shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.) Thank You!

download a flyer to copy and share

Cradles to CrayonsCradles to Crayons Partnership

Cradles to Crayons provides children from birth through age 12, living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive — at home, at school, and at play. The organization supplies these items free of charge by engaging and connecting communities that have with communities that need.

As opposed to working directly with families, Cradles to Crayons has built a highly efficient network of approved Service Partners. The Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities (PCRC) is one of these network Service Partners.

How it Works

PCRC’s Intake Administrator will work with a client, filling out the appropriate form, then sends the form to Cradles to Crayons through its website. Cradles to Crayons then fulfills the order, and the order is distributed to the client at its 57 North Franklin Street facility.

It can take up to a week to fulfill an order, but an emergency situation will be considered.

For more information, visit cradlestocrayons.org or contact Kelli DeSieno, Food Services Administrator, at kdesieno@pottstowncluster.org.

“61” Grand Opening Update

The Grand Opening of our new facility, known as “61” will be happening soon. Volunteers are working feverishly to complete the finishing renovations, so staff can occupy the building and our educational programs can be expanded. Stay tuned for details!

Check out the progress photos in the slideshow to the right.

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