It was no ordinary distribution day Saturday at the West End Food Pantry in Kunkletown, as a red firetruck drove through town with is siren sounding and three special guests waving to the crowd.

“Today, we’re handing out joy and Christmas magic along with our bags of food,” Karena Thek, executive director of the pantry, told the volunteers during their morning huddle inside the Eldred Township Community Center.

Thek went on to say that each family would receive apple cider from Gould’s Produce, which the Brodheadsville farm stand has been donating to the pantry this fall.

After a long week and getting home at 11 o’clock Friday night, Thek said she had never been so excited while opening mail.

A former pantry volunteer who moved away sent a check, which Thek said will go toward baby diapers, adult diapers and feminine hygiene products.

There were many other thoughtful pieces of mail.

“We are so thankful for the Pleasant Valley students who hand made Christmas cards that our families are receiving today,” she said. “Plus, a number of PV students and administrators are here today volunteering.”

District Superintendent James Konrad, middle school Principal Tim McCutchan, a teacher and around 15 students were on hand to “support our community and provide holiday cheer,” according to Konrad.

They stood outside in the cold on the sidewalk of the former Eldred Elementary School waiting for the first vehicles to pull up to them. With Konrad and others wearing reindeer antler headbands at one door, and McCutchan — dressed as an elf — by another door, they were ready to work and share their holiday excitement.

The drive-thru food distribution process has been in place since 2020, when COVID-19 restrictions resulted in the indoor process moving outside to the parking lot. Thek and her teams of volunteers have it down to a science now, and it is a speedy way for clients to get their two weeks’ allotment of groceries and continue on with their day.

A volunteer, who recently moved about 90 minutes away in Pike County, came out to do what he loves.

“Distributing food has brought me joy, camaraderie and friendship,” said Richard Haberen, of Lords Valley.

To brighten everyone’s spirits, around 8:30 a.m. a Kunkletown Volunteer Fire Company firetruck brought Santa Claus, who was donning his bright red outfit and black sunglasses; the Grinch, with his extra large heart; and Christmas Dog, sporting a Santa hat

Carrying sacks of treats, the three split up and went up to each vehicle to give the families inside it a treat and wish them a Christmas season filled with merriment.

Even though it was 32 degrees outside, the freezing point, there was a warmth in the air. It was a result of the apple cider, handmade cards, PV students, the smiling trio going car to car, and all the volunteers hurrying to fill trunks with items including fresh produce, meats, snacks, eggs, cheese and milk.

“I am frequently here helping at the pantry, but it’s extra special today,” said state Rep. Jack Rader, who represents the 176th District and has an office in Effort.