The Lancaster Church of the Brethren is passionate about giving back to the community. During a two-hour event, our (young) neighbors raised over $4,000 and 1,300 pounds of food for our neighbors in need! But it didn’t end with cans of food or dollars in a jar… It’s an annual initiative around the Super Bowl that led youth from Lancaster Church of the Brethren to give back in a creative way!
In 1990, giving around the time of the Super Bowl started with a simple prayer, “Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us to be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat,” was delivered to a small youth group at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina, led by Brad Smith, a seminary intern.
Why not harness the energy and enthusiasm of the Super Bowl weekend, a time when people come together for football, food, and fun, to unite the nation for a higher good?
On the first Sunday in February every year, youth groups across the nation collect dollars in soup pots and canned goods for those in need and send every dollar and donation directly to a local charity of their choice.
Youth Director Linda Dows-Byers led a mighty event with 9 student participants in a #lancasterCOB event, in line with intern Brad Smith’s idea of rallying excitement around not only awareness of football, but also local hunger on Super Bowl Sunday.
On February 14th, (just a week late delay due to snow!) the Lancaster Church of the Brethren held a Souper Bowl of Caring for Lancaster, where donors could drive through an End Zone to donate dollars and cans among cheerleaders and other youth.
The church served grilled hot dogs and served chips and drinks at their Souper Bowl of Caring event, rallying positivity and a caring spirit towards helping our neighbors with food insecurity. Lancaster COB led the charge in providing a safe and social event, while still physically distancing and showing love to our community.
You can help the Food Hub, too! Here are a few ways to get involved:
Drop Off Food Donations Food donations are always welcome and appreciated! 50% of the food we distribute is donated to us!
Food donations can be brought to 812 N. Queen Street at the DOCK B entrance between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:30 pm Monday through Friday. Please ring the bell if the door is not open and a staff member will greet you. Please be certain that the no items are EXPIRED or OPENED and that canned goods do not have significant dents especially at the top or bottom. Needed Items: Diabetic Food Items – Sugar Free Meal helpers like Hamburger Helper Canned Meals like Ravioli and Chili You can also purchase needed items through our Amazon Wish List: http://a.co/hSmujlF Thank you! We appreciate your generosity and kindness.