Community Unites for Souper Bowl of Caring Food Drive in Delaware County

Residents of Delaware County are encouraged to participate in the annual Souper Bowl of Caring food drive, aimed at combating hunger during the winter months. This national initiative mobilizes communities to gather nonperishable food items, ensuring local charities have the necessary resources to assist those in need.

On Saturday, January 31, volunteers will distribute 20,000 door hangers in neighborhoods including Aston, Morton, Rutledge, Springfield, Upper Darby’s Westbrook Park section, and parts of Ridley Township. These hangers will request donations of nonperishable food, which residents can place outside their doors by 10 a.m. on February 7 for collection.

It is important for donors to check expiration dates on their items to ensure all food is within date. In addition to food, the drive will also accept toiletries, infant formula, baby wipes, and diapers. For those outside the designated areas or unavailable on collection day, donations can be dropped off at Chambers Memorial Presbyterian Church from February 1 to February 7.

Thirteen local churches are involved in this initiative, representing various denominations, including St. Matthew, St. Francis, and Holy Cross. Youth groups from local high schools, alongside volunteers from organizations such as the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, are also participating.

The collected food will be distributed to numerous community charities, including City Team, Chester Eastside, and Loaves and Fishes, among others. This grassroots movement has generated over $220 million in support, ensuring that essential resources remain local and accessible to those experiencing food insecurity.

For those interested in supporting the cause, additional information can be obtained by calling 1-800-358-SOUP (7687) or visiting the official website at http://tacklehunger.org. Community members can also volunteer or host a yard sign to promote the event from January 31 to February 7.

In a related achievement, Danielle DiNafo, a cybersecurity and digital forensics major at Neumann University in Aston, has been awarded the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. This scholarship will enable DiNafo to participate in the university’s Global Business Project seminar, which includes a learning opportunity in Ireland during spring break.

The seminar involves collaboration with a global social enterprise, Nafasi, to develop a donation and entrepreneur onboarding platform. DiNafo expressed gratitude for the scholarship, stating, “As a first-generation college student, studying abroad once felt both intimidating and out of reach.” Her journey highlights the importance of community support in pursuing educational opportunities.

The Gilman Scholarship, administered by the U.S. Department of State, aims to broaden the participation of underrepresented students in study abroad programs. Since its inception, it has awarded over 50,000 merit-based scholarships to American students, fostering international experience and global networks.

As Delaware County prepares for the Souper Bowl of Caring food drive, community spirit and collaboration are evident in both initiatives, showcasing the commitment to addressing local hunger and supporting educational advancement.