6abc is again partnering this holiday season in the region’s largest food drive.
When it comes to hunger, senior citizens are always among the most vulnerable with many retirees facing the difficult choice of buying food or medication.
A Center in Upper Darby is helping fill that need and much more.
Multiculturalism Community Family Services offers immigrants from 35 nations everything from English as a second language to GED and computer classes.
And every Tuesday and Wednesday, there’s the Elder’s Circle which has become like a little Liberia for senior refugees who fled civil war in their homeland.
John Prall of Collingdale, Pa. said, “I was in the war for so many years, and being here I feel very happy.”
Miama Thomas of Yeadon, Pa. added, “When you enter the door, you leave it behind.
They stay all day, learning how to handcraft everything from pillows and purses to vibrant skirts, dresses and jewelry.
Louisa Mason of South Philadelphia said, “We crack jokes, we make fun, we play games.”
“The interactions has helped to relieve some of my depression,” said Prall.
The Center provides breakfast and lunch, often a taste of home from the local Liberian restaurant
And once a month Philabundance delivers food boxes for all of the seniors at the center.
Satnam Kaur of Upper Darby said, “Cereal, juice, dry milk, and canned foods.”
“This is extra food. You know some people use it as an emergency sometimes,” said Thomas.
“We are very grateful for them,” added Prall.
Nearly all of the seniors the center serves are disabled and unable to work. Here, they get the help they need to survive, the community they need to thrive.
Exec. Dir. & Co-Founder, Multicultural Community Family Services Portia Kamara said, “Seniors that once entered feeling very depressed, you see a blossoming of smiles on their faces.”
If you’d like to help our neighbors in need, visit the Multiculturalism Community Family Services and Philabundance.