A local business has donated nonfood essential groceries to a Palmerton food pantry to be distributed to 160 families.

Country Harvest Food Markets, Palmerton, Darlene and Richard Nothstein, and Sheri and Chris Anthony, recently donated the grocery items to the Christian Action Council of Palmerton Area Churches.

“They are items that are essential, but cannot be purchased with government funds,” Dick Nothstein said. “They are important for helping to fight the COVID-19 virus.”

Nothstein said the items are enough for 160 families, and the donation includes 160 of each of the following:

• 60-ounce bottles of laundry detergent

• 20-ounce bottles of dish liquid.

• Three-bar packs of Dial bar soap.

• 8-ounce bottles of hand sanitizer.

• Colgate toothpaste.

• Paper towels.

• Two-roll packs of bath tissue and boxes of facial tissue.

Nothstein said the value of the donation is about $2,500.

He said the distribution was made on Dec. 18 along with the regular monthly pantry distribution.

The pantry is located at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Fireline Road in Palmerton.