6abc joins Philabundance in holiday food drive

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Thanksgiving is just over a week away. And while many of us are planning and worrying about that big meal, others in our community are still thinking about their very next meal.

That's where food banks like Philabundance and our own 6abc Dunkin Donuts Holiday Food Drive come in.

Nearly a million people in the Delaware Valley face hunger every day, and people in our area are looking for ways to help.

Action News was in a freezer room at Philabundance Wednesday morning, where volunteers were sorting and packing frozen meat.

Liz Casani and some of her co-workers from Kraft Foods arrived at Philabundance in South Philadelphia all bundled up, ready for their chilly assignment.

They wanted to help in any way they could to combat hunger in the Delaware Valley.

"We just wanted to do our bit to contribute," Casani said. "If we can volunteer, bring a smile to their face, help their families . . . by all means, that's what we'd like to do."

Philabundance serves nine counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, about 75,000 people each week. Over the last few years more than ever have come to them for food.

"A lot of times it's people who haven't needed food assistance before," said Philabundance's Lindsay Hughes. "There's a changing face of hunger. People in every zip code we serve experience hunger."

This is a busy time of year for Philabundance, though the need for help never goes away.

The holidays are approaching. And as the weather gets colder, some families must make the choice between feeding their families and paying their utility bills.

6abc is pitching in once again, and this afternoon will hold an on-air telethon. Last year we had an overwhelming response from our viewers.

"Last year we were able to provide 80,000 meals from people who called in," said Hughes. "Every dollar donated pays for two meals. Every little bit helps."

There are different ways you can help, and one of them is picking up the phone this afternoon.