AHN Canonsburg Hosts Food Drive to Benefit Families in Chartiers-Houston School District

Last Updated on Saturday, 30 May 2020 15:25

Caregivers at Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Canonsburg hospital donated more than 100 tote bags of groceries to families of the Chartiers-Houston School District as part of a hospital-wide food drive initiative.

AHN - Canonsburg Food Drive

Representatives of the school district visited the hospital to receive hundreds of nonperishable goods for later distribution to students and their loved ones in need.

Beckie Lemley, Manager of Therapy Services at AHN Canonsburg, spearheaded the initiative in an effort to pay it forward to a community that has rallied around its caregivers as they respond to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“We’ve seen an outpouring of support from churches, schools, residents and local businesses and this food drive is just one way we can show our gratitude and pay it forward,” said Lemley. “Undoubtedly, our caregivers at this hospital are true superheroes, but we also recognize that we have the resources and means available to lend a helping hand. I’ve had the pleasure to see the entire hospital donate hundreds of goods to support this cause.”

The donated goods, including items like peanut butter, bread and cereal, were packed in AHN-branded tote bags by hospital staff. They will later be delivered to families who are a part of K-6 Allison Park Elementary School within the Chartiers-Houston School District.

“Even before the pandemic, there were local families who were in need of support and now that need has only been exacerbated. Currently, we’re distributing about 150 meals per day and we anticipate that number to grow,” said Joseph Lemley, principal of Allison Park Elementary School. “We can’t thank AHN Canonsburg hospital enough for stepping up and making this all possible. With their support, we’re able to better meet the needs of our community and make a positive difference during this challenging time.”

AHN Canonsburg will collect donated nonperishable items on an ongoing basis. The hospital expects to coordinate with additional schools throughout Washington County in the future.