Brotherly Love: Montco Food Cupboard's History Of Help
By Ukee Washington
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- In Montgomery County, there's a food cupboard that's been helping people for decades. This summer, they could use some help of their own.
We met Barbara Adams of Ambler there. She is one week into a brand-new job as a chef, and she's going shopping for spring clothes.
"The ladies from the boutique are fabulous," Barbara said.
This boutique is just one part of Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard, a non-profit helping families in Ambler and the surrounding area since the 1970s.
Executive director Christine Bouley helps oversee not only the boutique but job training and a food cupboard. They serve "probably about 800 families on monthly, every other month basis," she said.
Eligible families can sign up to receive food, clothes, and other household supplies once a month, packed by volunteers like Mary Sheroff of Lower Gwynedd.
"You think about what you're putting in the bag. If it's kids, what would I give my kids?" Mary said.
Linda Reynolds of Oreland lost her job in March. "It's been tough," she said.
While she looks for the next job, the Mattie N. Dixon Cupboard supplies food and clothing. She's about to go through resume training, too. She says the help is tremendous.
"Gives us a reason to keep going sometimes," she said.
Barbara credits the community cupboard for polishing her resume and interview skills.... and for lifting her spirits.
"You step into this no-judgment zone," Barbara said. "Everyone treats you with dignity."
As the school year draws to a close and children miss out on school meals, workers at the cupboard fear these shelves will empty out quickly.
Chrstine said, "We do need cereals, kids snack things, that kids won't be getting when they're at school rather than at home."
They hope the community opens its hearts to help.
