We started out small many years ago.
Our beginnings as told by Jim Stover
The idea of a “social ministry” to help those in need in the Hershey Community was inspired by Jay Coble who brought up the subject in a Sunday school class in the mid 1960’s. Jay said “You know we keep talking about the orphans, the sick, the prisoners and that’s all we do. When are we going to do something?”
The class took up his challenge, but looking back, Jim said the idea was a hard sell in Derry Township where many people have the false impression that there aren’t people in need.
Gradually, all the churches in Derry Township became a part of the Derry Township Social Ministry Committee formed by 1967. The Food Bank was “officially launched” in 1968, although food was being distributed years earlier, to families in need.
The first treasurer was Allen Hammond, the principal of Milton Hershey School from 1939-1959. In 1970, Jim Stover one of the original members who had served on various committees since the formative years was nominated as the treasurer, and held that position until September 2010. Jim’s first treasurer’s report boasted a bank account with $154.00.
Many changes have occurred since the mid 1960’s. In the past 45 plus years thousands of individuals, families and children have been fed, clothed, visited, assisted with securing jobs, provided with furnishings, given dental care, given rides, assisted with budget counseling, helped with emergency utility and rent payments, etc. Friendships have been formed between volunteers and clients, many hugs and tears have been shared as we continue our mission to help our neighbors in need.
In 1997 the Derry Township Social Ministry was formally incorporated. In 1999 we became a 501 (c) 3 tax exempt organization.
In 2010 we changed our name to Hershey Food Bank and Community Outreach to better reflect our mission of service to our community.
Today, the board and a dedicated group of volunteers continue to work together to serve over 400 families every month. We are very grateful to our supporters; local business, residents, churches, service clubs, etc. Together we are making a difference.
Serving Established Clients:
1st
and 3rd
Thursdays of the Month
9:00 - 11:30 am
5:00 - 7:00 pm
And Emergencies by Appointment.
New Clients:
Email:
hersheyfoodbank@verizon.net
or call 717-520-3143.
Accepting Deliveries:
Mondays and Wednesdays
1:30 to 4:00 pm at:
120 E. Derry Rd., Hershey
Or food may be dropped off in one of our drop bins at anytime.
Hershey Food Bank and Community Outreach, Inc. is qualified as a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to Hershey Food Bank and Community Outreach, Inc. are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Jim Stover, who was our longest serving member, with over 42 years of volunteer service, died peacefully at the Lebanon Valley Brethren Home in 2011. Jim was the only board member who had served continuously since our organization was formed. Jim will be remembered for his many years of unselfish service to the community.
