“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a strange and you invited me in,” Matthew 25:35
Looking for a great charity to help out in Lancaster? Consider Water Street Ministries. Water Street Ministries is “a way to bring God and the people of the community closer together through friendship, faith, and the power of giving.” At Water Street Ministries, they are devoted to helping the homeless as well as the hungry.
The Water Street Mission’s primary statement is to food the hungry as fast and with as much as possible. They achieve their goals by:
- Cooking and serve 3 meals a day, 365 days a year in their dining hall, which adds up to 175,000 meals each year.
- Providing over 2,500 holiday food boxes to families in poverty.
- Providing weekly grocery assistance to families in poverty, they respond to over 2,000 requests for help.
The food they give out comes from various grocery stores, restaurants, and farmer donated products. Businesses, as well as schools and churches collect food on their behalf, some even personally sending food out to the homeless themselves at food shelters.
In order to receive more donations and to inform the community about the homeless/hungry problem, events are held by Water Street Ministries, welcoming everyone that wants to join in their battle against the hunger and pain. Here are a few upcoming events:
Benefit Concert at The Ware Center. 42 N Prince Street, Lancaster, Thursday, November 15, 6:30-9pm. “In honor of national Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (November 11th-18th ), enjoy a variety of musical performances from the Lancaster area, local High Schools and Universities. Also enjoy artwork, poetry, and dramatic readings from individuals currently or previously experiencing homelessness.” Admission is by free will donation. Also please bring non-perishable food items to be donated.
Turkey Drive. Donate a turkey and make a big difference. They are looking to get 1,000 turkeys by November 16th for Thanksgiving, and another 1,000 turkeys by December 17th for Christmas. Provide a turkey. Change a life. Be a hero.
Drop off your turkey at our Collection Center, the garage door facing Conestoga Street at our 210 South Prince Street Campus. Hours: Mon/Fri: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Tues/Wed/Thurs/Sat: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Extraordinary Give. Be a part of Lancaster County’s First 24-hour Online Giving Marathon! Every dollar donated at ExtraGive.org will be stretched by a $250,000 contribution from the Lancaster County Community Foundation (plus $50,000 in incentives and prizes!).
Make your gift go farther by donating to Water Street Ministries and Water Street Health Services on November 30th at ExtraGive.org.
Give Extraordinary!
The Water Street Mission accepts food donations at any time; donations include fresh meat, fruits, and vegetables. Items can be dropped off at their Collection Center at 210 South Prince Street, Lancaster, 17603. Hours: Mon/Fri: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Tues/Wed/Thurs/Sat: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also call for suggested food items at (717) 393-7709. Visit their website here for more info.