52nd annual Operation Helping Hand sets out to collect 66,000 pounds of food for Bucks County locals in need
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
Businesses, school districts and local residents are working harder than ever to support community members in need. This month kicked off the 52nd annual Operation Helping Hand, the longest-running food drive in Bucks County organized by United Way of Bucks County, Inspire Federal Credit Union and Bucks County OpportunityCouncil.
Last year, the initiative gathered 47,309 pounds of nonperishable food thanks to partnerships with 246 schools, local businesses and other collection sites for the benefit of 31 area food pantries. This year, the dedicated trio behind OHH is upping the ante by setting a lofty goal of 66,000 pounds.
Operation Helping Hand originated in 1966 as the brainchild of Levittown’s US Steel employees, who craved a unique way to help their neighbors in need. The founding group was joined by United Way of Bucks County in 1975, with the project eventually becoming the longest continuously operating food drive in Bucks County.
UW Bucks has a lot to celebrate this 52nd year. Not only is the Bristol and Langhorne-based Inspire Federal Credit Union returning as a lead sponsor, but Bucks County Opportunity Council’s Adopt A Pantry is once again partnering on the project to ensure participants know exactly where their donations are going.
“It’s a hyperlocal food drive,” said Danielle Bush, director of community and volunteer engagement at United Way of Bucks County. “Every school and business that’s participating is matched geographically to the local food pantry that serves that community. If the food is collected in Bensalem, it’s given to Bensalem.”
According to Bush, all nonperishable food items will be accepted for Operation Helping Hand, though healthy and nutritious options are encouraged. Recommended donations include canned meats such as tuna and chicken, peanut butter and no-sugar added juices.
This week, those interested in participating in the drive can choose from several donation opportunities. Approximately 50 local businesses, offices and organizations across the county are hosting individual OHH events and serving as drop off locations through Thursday, March 15. This includes UW Bucks, whose staff is currently constructing out of its collections a “Palace of Protein” at its Fairless Hills headquarters.
After all food items are gathered, a designated representative will deliver the donations directly to the pantry their company supported, where they’ll see firsthand how their effort can impact a hungry neighbor’s life.
On Wednesday, March 14, 130 schools encompassing every district in Bucks County will host a one-day mass collection to support Operation Helping Hand. From private to public as well as child care centers, Bush explained a wide variety of educational institutions clambered to get involved this year. Students and faculty are invited to bring to school with them nonperishable food items, which will then be distributed to the closest pantry. Families should contact their child’s school to confirm it is participating in the drive.
For those individuals unable to get to a nearby business or school to donate, UW Bucks has additional options available. If someone donates online at uwbucks.org/ohh, their local food pantry will use that money to purchase the food items most needed at that location. Interested participants can also mail a check to UW Bucks, 413 Hood Blvd., Fairless Hills, PA 19030 with “Operation Helping Hand” in the memo line.
So why should Bucks County residents get involved in Operation Helping Hand? Bush’s reasoning is simple.
“It’s a fun and easy way to give back to the community,” she said. ••
Samantha Bambino can be reached at [email protected]
