The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t kept St. Vincent de Paul of St. John XXIII in Tamaqua from helping out.

A curbside pickup has been established to help the church continue its baby food ministry drive, which started about a year ago.

“Usually the people register online or by phone and then they come to the hall to pick it up,” said Marge Menconi. “Knowing we couldn’t have people inside, we decided to try a drive-thru. It worked well. We gave each of them time to arrive, then one or two of us would take the baby food out and put it in the back seat of their car and off they go.”

Menconi said the church started the ministry last year after it received a $5,000 grant from the Diocese of Allentown. St. John received another $2,500 grant this year to help keep it going.

“We’ve had some really good numbers,” said Menconi. “When they get to be 12 months, or eating table food, they’re generally finished (with the program). We give them fruit, vegetables, meat - all stage one and stage two, and we also give them cereal. If there is something special that they need, we try to help them if we’re able to.”

St. John holds its ministry every third Saturday of the month from 9 to 11 a.m. The only requirements are that the recipient either lives in the Tamaqua Area School District or is a member of the parish. Anyone interested should register at least three days in advance.

“Whoever I have registered, I usually email them ahead of time and let them know there is no reason to come inside. We then ask them if they’re coming back next month and if their child needs anything different. We’re able to social distance and still do our ministry.”

For more information, or to register, call 570-225-8620, or email tamaquasvdp@outlook.com.