The Catholic Charities Community Café food truck was the center of attention in downtown Allentown Aug. 7 when Catholic Charities partnered with St. Luke’s Hospital-Sacred Heart Campus at a community event honoring first responders.
Bishop Alfred Schlert and William Moyer, hospital president, slipped on their aprons, climbed into the food truck, and served pulled pork barbecues, macaroni and cheese, and coleslaw to police officers, paramedics, firefighters, nurses, social workers, and others who serve the community.
“I thank our courageous first responders who stand ready whenever our community needs them most,” Bishop Schlert said. “Whether answering an emergency call, bringing calm to moments of crisis, or offering care with compassion and dignity, they remind us of what service truly looks like.”
The Community Café food truck – which normally makes its rounds to provide meals to the hungry in underserved communities – was pressed into service for the lunchtime event as a visible symbol of the strong commitment Catholic Charities has to the people of the five counties in the Diocese of Allentown.
“This is an opportunity for Catholic Charities to give back to first responders, health care workers, and social workers,” said Pam Russo, Diocesan Secretary of Catholic Health, Human Services, and Youth Protection. “Our staff works hand in hand with these important service providers around the region to serve those in need.”
The day was a collaboration between Catholic Charities, St. Luke’s-Sacred Heart Campus, and Star Community Health, a St. Luke’s health center at Fifth and Chew streets, in whose parking lot the event was held.
Among the police officers who visited during the two-hour event was Allentown Police Chief Charles Roca. Allentown Fire Department Battalion Chief Sean O’Neil also stopped by, along with many firefighters and paramedics.
Also in attendance was the Catholic Charities mascot known as Phil the Bag, who looks like a large grocery bag with arms and legs. The AD Times was able to land a rare interview with Phil while he was taking a break from spreading the good word about Catholic Charities.
“I’m happy to be here,” said Phil. “But I can’t stay too long in this heat. I’m full of fresh groceries, you know!”
Catholic Charities provides compassionate and professional services to individuals and families in need in Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton, and Schuylkill counties, regardless of their faith, and while respecting the dignity and sanctity of all human life.
For more information or to donate, visit the Catholic Charities website at www.catholiccharitiesad.org.
Photos by Rey Gabriel
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