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Home | News | January 2022 | Lehigh Valley Phantoms with Support from United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Air Products Do

Lehigh Valley Phantoms with Support from United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Air Products Donate Curbside to Local Food Banks

Published: January 20, 2022

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, more people than ever will rely on food pantries.

On Thursday, January 20, members of the Phantoms, Air Products, City Center Allentown and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) organizations dropped off 1,500 pounds of pasta donated by the community to three Lehigh Valley food pantries: Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley, Easton Area Neighborhood Center and Allentown Salvation Army.

"Food insecurity in our community has increased by 88% in the past year and half due to the pandemic," stated David Lewis, President at UWGLV. "Food pantries are being hit harder than ever before and need support to continue to provide fresh, nutritious food for families in need."

Attendees of United Way Night at the Phantoms Presented by Air Products, held on Saturday, January 15, were asked to bring a box of pasta to support those facing food insecurity. Weis Markets jump started the initiative that evening with a donation of 100 boxes. Participants were entered into a raffle drawing for an overnight stay at the Renaissance Allentown, a 65" LG HD TV, and a game-worn Cal O'Reilly jersey. Accompanying each prize was a $150 Air Products Foundation donation to the charity of the winner’s choice.

"It was incredible to be at the game on Saturday and see how many folks were carrying in bags of pasta to help a neighbor in need," said Lewis. "Because of the support from Air Products and our Campaign Chair Laurie Gostley Hackett and our friends at the Phantoms, we can donate over 1,500 boxes of pasta to food pantries in Easton, Allentown and Bethlehem," he added.

A cornerstone of UWGLV’s campaign this year is the Air Products Fresh Food Promise. For every new donor during the 2021-22 annual campaign, Air Products Foundation will make a contribution to support United Way’s food access work to provide fresh, healthy food for local families.

“Food insecurity is a major challenge facing our community, and when we invest in United Way, all of us become part of the solution,” remarked Air Products director of community relations and philanthropy Laurie Gostley Hackett, who serves as 2021 campaign chair for United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “The Phantoms food collection will not only help provide a meal for so many, it supports raising awareness around a major issue facing our community.”