South Hills Interfaith Ministries fights hunger
South Hills Interfaith Ministries helped more than 3,000 people in the South Hills last year with basic necessities.
This year, through its Sack Hunger 2015 fundraising and food program, SHIM hopes to raise $100,000 to help even more people, said Jim Guffey, executive director of the Bethel Park-based organization. As of Feb. 17, SHIM has raised nearly $25,000.
“The other aspect of this effort is to bring awareness that there is hunger in the South Hills,” Guffey said. “Families are still struggling and we are not immune to it.”
SHIM helps struggling families with resources to achieve self-sufficiency. The assistance can include food, clothing, help with utilities and financial literacy classes. In addition, SHIM has a family support center, offers after-school programs, an early childhood program and a summer day camp.
“But when there is hunger, the other things are secondary,” he said.
Last year, more than $85,000 was raised in the six-week Sack Hunger campaign and more than 350,000 pounds of food were shipped to families the organization helps. This year’s Sack Hunger program, which began Feb. 1, runs through March 15. There are four different ways to donate:
• Donate food. Check your pantry, or go shopping and bring it to SHIM, 5301 Park Ave., Bethel Park.
• Hold a Food Drive. SHIM has Sack Hunger bags, flyers and posters.
• Shop online. SHIM has a virtual grocery store on its website, www.shim-center.org.
• Donate online. Every $50 donation allows SHIM to buy 175 pounds of food.
Guffey said all donations are welcome and the donor’s wishes will be honored. But, a $5 cash donation will feed more people than a jar of peanut butter. SHIM is part of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank network, he said.
“Instead of one jar of peanut butter, the $5 can buy two jars of an off-brand peanut butter,” Guffey said.
SHIM is holding a Souper Supper fundraiser to benefit Sack Hunger 2015 5:30-7:30 p.m. March 1 at its Park Avenue food pantry in Bethel Park. Admission is $10.