Public service members bagged groceries on ShopRite Partners in Caring Day
In observance of National Hunger Action Month, on the third Wednesday of September each year ShopRite locations host a Help Bag Hunger event to raise awareness around the issue of hunger in the community. This year, on Wednesday, Sept. 20, the ShopRite of Aramingo Avenue was joined by State Reps. Jason Dawkins and John Taylor, a representative from Tina Tartaglione’s office, Kathy McMillin, as well as 24th District Police Capt. Daniel O’Connor to promote the cause.
Together, on what was also designated as ShopRite Partners in Caring Day, these public service members donated their time to bag groceries for shoppers. In addition to their bagging efforts, cashiers were also accepting “roundup for change” donations at all registers, with the proceeds going to help fight hunger.
“Since its inception in 1999, the ShopRite Partners in Caring Program has donated more than $43 million to local foodbanks across the northeast,” store manager Jeannie Keck said. “We are working to make a difference for those in need in our very own communities.”
With knowledge of how many families within Philadelphia are truly in need, Dawkins noted he was glad to be out at the event for a number of reason, but mostly because it’s events such as Help Bag For Hunger that help raise necessary awareness. He stressed it is important to him to be able to focus efforts on giving back to the community he serves.
“There’s always a family out there in need,” Dawkins said. “For me it’s very humbling to come out here and spend some time to give back to the community. I’m very appreciative to be in a position where I’m able to do so.”
Taylor pointed out ShopRite of Aramingo Avenue does a great job in supporting the community through initiatives such as Help Bag Hunger. He additionally highlighted this store is greatly involved in the community at every level.
“This particular ShopRite and particular family is awesome,” Taylor, a Kensington native, said. “I’m so glad to support anything they do, because they certainly support us.
O’Connor, who said he always bags his own groceries, added he was present at the ShopRite location to help bag groceries on this occasion because, as a member of the police department, he also remains a member of the community. He stressed the department is lucky to be able to partner with such great organizations, such as ShopRite.
For more information on the ShopRite Partners In Caring program and its many initiatives, including Help Bag Hunger, visit: https://www.shoprite.com/community/.
