ABOVE PHOTO: PHSC working diligently to serve the neighborhood.
By Afea Tucker
In direct response to the protests and civil unrest that has recently affected West Philadelphia residents following the shooting death of Walter Wallace Jr., the Philadelphia Home and School Council (PHSC) has teamed up with local businesses to feed nearly 300 families.
With the support of ACME Foods, the Share Food Program, Mount Airy Groceries, West Phillie Produce, Stockyard Sandwich Co. and local home and school associations, PHSC quickly jumped into action and provided nearly 1,300 people with some much-needed items including milk, eggs, meats, fruit, produce and toiletries.
Through the partnerships that have been developed, local West Philadelphia residents were able to pick up their box in person or have their box delivered straight to their home.
“West Philadelphia is a strong community that is hurting right now,” Cierra Freeman, vice president of philanthropy and fundraising for the Philadelphia Home and School Council, said. “Following the announcement of many businesses having to close and local residents not having access to fresh food, we knew that it was our responsibility to step-in and help these families in any way that we could.”
“Within 72 hours, we had commitments from six local organizations to assist us with everything from monetary donations, to grocery items, and the manpower to facilitate it all!” she said.
The emergency food relief is just one of the many initiatives that the Philadelphia Home and School Council has championed in West Philadelphia over the past year.
The organization recently responded to an urgent call to action for elementary school supplies by providing 500 books to Bryant Elementary in West Philadelphia, in addition to another 500 books that were delivered throughout other communities in need.
“In today’s world, it is especially important for us to provide support to parents and children from a holistic perspective,” Shakeda Gaines, president of the Philadelphia Home and School Council, said.. “ Our focus is not only empowering and educating parent groups, but also assisting families in securing life sustaining resources.”
“When communities step in and step up, there is no goal that cannot be completed,” she continued. “Food insecurities affects millions of people daily, and the Philadelphia Home and School Council is proud to help with trying to change that narrative.”
The PHSC is a 501(c)(3) and is recognized by the School District of Philadelphia as the official representative of parents and guardians.
It unites all home and school associations working together for Philadelphia’s students. For more information, visit: https://www.philadelphiahsc.org/.
For the latest news updates, info and events, visit them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/PhiladelphiaHSC/.
It is such a pleasure to spotlight such a deserving organization.
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