Strong Turnout for Pop-Up Pantry and Community Gathering Hosted by Catholic Charities and Operation PJ Pride in Port Jervis

Port Jervis – The unseasonably warm November afternoon made it the perfect day for the Pop-Up Pantry and Community Gathering hosted by Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster and Operation PJ Pride in Port Jervis’ Veterans Park. Eager residents gathered early for a place in line to access the programs and services available during the event.

“We couldn’t have asked for more perfect weather for our community partners to come together on behalf of Port Jervis residents,” said Catholic Charities’ employee Megan Robbins, Project Coordinator for Operation PJ Pride. “These are challenging times for so many. Bringing the resources directly to those in need eliminates accessibility hurdles and increases use,” added Robbins.

During the two-hour event, Catholic Charities distributed 100 boxes of food, each of which contained the equivalent of four meals. In addition, the agency gave away 55 new children’s winter coats, as well as an assortment of new backpacks. The New York National Guard’s Counter Drug Task Force trained 24 people in the use of life-saving Narcan and Operation PJ Pride spoke with visitors about the importance of keeping medications safe and provided free tools to protect and dispose of medications properly. The Port Jervis Police Department provided Drug Take Back disposal service and Senator Jen Metzger’s office distributed hand sanitizer to visitors. ArchCare offered free blood pressure screening, as well as masks, sanitizers, and other health and safety provisions. Catholic Charities Immigration Legal Services and Orange County Department of Health also were on site to chat about their services with visitors.

“We are grateful to our community partners for their commitment to the people of Port Jervis,” said Robbins. “Many are struggling, especially as the pandemic hangs on. If we can help our neighbors in need keep a roof over their head, food on their table, and their children warm and safe then we are successful in fulfilling our mission to provide help and create hope,” said Robbins.

For more information about Catholic Charities or Operation PJ Pride, contact Megan Robbins at 845.856.6344 x1832 or email megan.robbins@cccsos.org. Residents in need of emergency food or shelter assistance should email ccosuhelpline@cccsos.org.

Catholic Charities provides assistance to those in need, regardless of religion or ability to pay.

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Cutline 1: Megan Robbins, Stevenson Monchery, Dawn Wilkin, and Cassie Mathelier shared information from Operation PJ Pride, the community anti-drug coalition of Port Jervis, at the recent Pop-Up Pantry in Port Jervis.

Cutline 2: Catholic Charities team members Julie Ubinas and Rosie Caceras displayed some of the 55 new children’s coats that were distributed to families visiting the Port Jervis Pop-Up Pantry and Community Gathering hosted at Veterans Park.