The 13th annual Tamaqua Area Campaign Against Hunger takes place during the entire month of October, culminating with a Community Soup Sale distribution on Oct. 26 and the Tamaqua Community Hunger Walk on Oct. 27.

The campaign benefits community food pantries at American Primitive Methodist Church, Trinity United Church of Christ and Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church as well as a food program at Stokes Ministries. More than 700 families a month are served by these pantries and ministries in the Tamaqua area.

Last year’s hunger campaign raised just over $17,000 and collected 85 boxes of food for the pantries. This year’s goal is $18,000 and 125 boxes of food.

The 2024 campaign has many moving parts including sponsorships, canned and dry good food collections, a “Dine Out Against Hunger” restaurant night, an online community soup sale and a campaign ending walk.

“There are many ways to participate in this year’s campaign,” said Paul Dodson, a member of the planning team and campaign originator.

Soup purchases can be made from Oct. 6 to 20 at https://tamaquahunger.tacp.info/. The campaign will also have a table at the Tamaqua Heritage Festival Oct. 13 where soup can be ordered. Soup will be distributed from 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 26 at Trinity UCC’s Founders Hall.

Those purchasing a quart of soup will also get a chance to win one of several gift certificates to Tamaqua area restaurants.

Organizations collecting food can contact Paulette Lacrosse at 570-926-4698 or Paul Dodson at 272-208-0034 for pickup.

Churches, organizations and restaurants wishing to participate in the soup sale can contact Judy Hoppes at 570-778-7136 or George Taylor at 570-205-2454 by Oct. 4.

Area restaurant owners wishing to host a “Dine Out Against Hunger Night” should contact Pastor Sharon Stokes at 570-486-8389 or George Taylor at 570-205-2454 by Oct. 18.

Those planning to participate in the hunger walk or needing more information about the walk and securing sponsorships can contact Glenn Fritzinger at 484-560-8211.