MANAYUNK

While the long, hard winter is (hopefully) behind us, the families served by North Light Community Center’s food cupboard will be recovering into the spring. In the community since 1936, North Light has been a neighborhood mainstay, serving area families through educational, recreation, and youth development programs, as well as offering social supports to those who need a helping hand.    

 

During this cold, icy season, families’ heating bills have soared, leaving them with less money for food and other necessities. Coupled with a decrease in government benefits, food cupboards nationwide have braced for a higher demand in services. At North Light, they have seen a 12% increase since November in families seeking out their food cupboard as energy bills rose. This, in addition to winter storms interrupting food pick-up schedules, has left many families playing catch-up. “Bitter cold and heavy snowfalls were a double-edged sword for already struggling households,” states Irene Madrak, North Light’s Executive Director.

    

As North Light wraps up its annual fund drive in the next months, they know even small gifts make a meaningful impact to families. Additionally, donations will support their programs that empower children and teens to become productive, well-rounded citizens in a 21^st century world.  Community support helps working families know they have an affordable, safe, bright option for child care, and teens learn hands-on entrepreneurial and life skills through summer job placement, career readiness workshops, and managing a sustainable farm.   

Gifts to North Light can do so many things for those they serve:

Please consider supporting North Light and help more students achieve their dreams, help neighbors with their heating bills, or provide child care for working families. You can give online (including monthly gifts for as little as $10) at www.northlightcommunitycenter.org or send a check to North Light Community Center, 175 Green Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19127. 

 

North Light Community Center is a multi-service, community based non-profit organization located at 175 Green Lane. Founded in 1936, North Light’s mission isto enable people of all ages and abilities in our communities, especially those most in need, to reach their full potential as productive and responsible citizens through initiatives that support and enrich children, teens, and families. North Light’s vision is to support and strengthen our diverse neighborhoods by meeting the evolving needs of individuals and families, working to develop the whole person from educating to providing sustenance, and thus, cultivate a vibrant community. Current services include year-round licensed childcare for school age children, tutoring, youth development programs, arts and recreation, emergency supports, parenting workshops, teen employment, and neighborhood access to technology. For additional information about North Light’s programs and services, visit www.northlightcommunitycenter.org or call 215-483-4800.