Catholic Charities of Oswego County, (CCOC), which assists a multitude of families and individuals throughout Oswego County who are challenged by poverty, urgently needs volunteer drivers, and help at the food pantry and thrift store, said Mary-Margaret Pekow, CCOC executive director.
“It is critical that we recruit more volunteers to ensure that our services are consistently available to the people we serve,” Pekow said. “For example, volunteer drivers for our agency help our clients get to their jobs, their medical appointments, and more. Today, we have just one volunteer driver helping us, and we need to have 12 by the end of the year. Drivers receive .65.5¢/mile and can drive whenever it fits their schedule. So, they can help us when it’s most convenient for them and be reimbursed for their gas costs.
“In 2023, our food pantry served an average of 248 individuals each week. That adds up to an average of 12,896 people a year. Our food pantry also assembles 50-60 homeless food bags each month. That tallies up to 600-720 bags of food going to the homeless each year.
“Our thrift store is always busy helping individuals with everything from clothing to household items and furniture. When we host free special events, the thrift store is one of the most popular resources we offer them.
“We always need more volunteers, and I encourage anyone who wants to help us in our food pantry, thrift store, or help drive clients to services, to contact Barbara McCann (315) 598-3980, ext. 229. She can answer any questions about becoming a volunteer and would be happy to give a tour of our facility anyone interested in volunteering.
For more information on their services, or supporting CCOC, contact Catholic Charities of Oswego County at 315-598-3980, or visit https://ccoswego.com and find them on Facebook.
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