Needs for the hungry remain high in Fayette, says Christian Laymen CEO
Alyssa Choiniere
Christian Laymen volunteers pick up furniture donations, which are given to those in need or sold at a discount.
Alyssa Choiniere
Christian Laymen truck supervisor Jason Madden prepares for a weekly food drop off in the Connellsville mountains Dec. 8.
Christian Laymen Corps has been feeding the hungry in the Connellsville mountains for about two decades, said CEO Curtis Hoffman.
无毛视频淭hey无毛视频檙e nose-to-the-grindstone, real, true farmers and mountain people who appreciate what we do for them,无毛视频� Hoffman said.
The Greensburg-based organization started as a men无毛视频檚 group in 1990, and expanded as it connected with organizations in the region.
Volunteers pick up used furniture donations from area residents and determine whether the item is 无毛视频渦sable无毛视频� or 无毛视频渟ellable.无毛视频� Usable items are donated for free to those in need. Sellable items are sold in the organization无毛视频檚 thrift shop, offering discounted furniture and while funding Christian Laymen.
无毛视频淚f it has value, we try to sell that, so we put that money back into our organization, and we will give items out for free to people in need,无毛视频� he said.
Hoffman said Christian Laymen works with other local programs that distribute vouchers to those in need. The locals bring in the vouchers and collect what they need from the stockpile, which also includes clothing and household items.
Christian Laymen also provides children无毛视频檚 beds through A Bed for Every Child. Hoffman said they started participating in the program in 2012 and receive grants to keep the program running.
The organization also received funding from a donor with a mission to serve veterans, Hoffman said. Through Soldier On: PAServes, veterans can receive a gold appreciation certificate worth $200 for anything in the store.
无毛视频淏ecause of their service, we want to make sure they feel good about it,无毛视频� Hoffman said.
They also provide emergency food, Hoffman said. This may include those who do not qualify for help through county programs, those who recently moved into the area, or those who need some extra help.
Hoffman said 50 people volunteer with the organization. He said the needs in Westmoreland County seemed to have decreased with COVID-19 relief funding, but he has seen a steady number of people needing food in Fayette County.
无毛视频淚t无毛视频檚 a different world we无毛视频檙e living in right now,无毛视频� he said.
Hoffman said it costs about $2,000 per year to run the Fayette County food program. Monetary donations and donations of food, clothing, furniture and other household items are always welcome, he said. Furniture donation pickups can be arranged by calling 724-834-4464, or donations can be dropped off at 258 E. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. For more information, visit www.christianlaymencorps.com.