Sister Ann Walsh, I.H.M., and about 50 Friends of the Poor volunteers paused for a brief talk and prayer during Thursday morning's preparations.
"Here it is, Day 3," she said as other volunteers wheeled boxes of potatoes into the room.
The same room in Lackawanna College's Student Union Building that was filled with toys, clothing and games earlier this week transformed into a food pantry Thursday. Sister Walsh reflected on the volunteers' efforts throughout Friends of the Poor's three-day Christmas drive.
"We're here to help those who are in need of assistance," she said to the volunteers.
Families took home hams, bread, eggs and vegetables for their holiday dinners. The organization had enough food to serve 1,000 families, an increase from 800 the previous year, Sister Walsh said.
Friends of the Poor organizes the event each year, while food basket program Family-to-Family collects money, said Mary Lou Burne.
Mrs. Burne founded Family-to-Family 26 years ago with her husband, Dr. Jim Burne.
Their organization has provided money to the food drive for the past 12-15 years, and they raised $25,000 for Thursday's event, she said. They collect money for two and a half weeks, starting around Thanksgiving, she said.
A majority of those who volunteered at the toy drive returned for Thursday's food drive.
Charles Connell placed hams into plastic bags shortly before families arrived. He lives in New Jersey but has volunteered with the toy and food drives for the past five years.
"It's just something I love doing," he said. "There are so many people in need in Lackawanna County, and this is where my heart is."
Ryan Robeson, a senior at the University of Scranton, replaced egg cartons as families made their way through the line.
"To think, some people won't have these things we all take for granted," he said.
Travis Lockett helped a woman and child by carrying their grocery bags. Friends of the Poor came to Mr. Lockett's aid after a fire destroyed his home one year ago, he said. Their generosity inspired him to become a volunteer five months ago, he said.
Families who showed up at the drive noticed the volunteers' efforts.
"It's a huge help," Kathy Creegan said as she waited outside. "I really appreciate the people that donate to it and help out."
Ms. Creegan has 14 people at her Christmas table this year, and she said the food drive makes this meal possible. She stood in line with her neighbor Crystal Churchill and her two young children.
Ms. Churchill said she has attended this program, along with the Easter food drive and Family-to-Family's Thanksgiving food drive, for the past five years. "It helps a lot during this economy," she said.
Contact the writer: shazen@timesshamrock.com