West Hills Food Pantry 'Grateful for the Community Support'

More than 110 volunteers lended a helping hand Saturday when the West Hills Food Pantry held its 19th annual "Mile of Cans" food drive.

But by the close of a long day, the pantry's largest annual fundraiser and can drive had fallen 9,000 cans short of its target goal to reach a mile, which is the equivalent of 15,840 cans.

"We're still grateful for the community support," said Sandy Hershberger, director of the West Hills Food Pantry. "I always say 'every can is more than what we had,' and when you break that down to dollars, that's a lot." 

The pantry, located on Carnot Road, serves families in Moon, Crescent, Coraopolis and Neville Island. Mile of Cans provides critical donations to the nonprofit, which served 170 families last week. With the holidays approaching, the numbers are expected to increase. 

Despite not meeting this year's goal, Hershberger said many in the community came together to donate cans and volunteer their time, including two of the pantry's clients.

Several businesses provided lunch for volunteers, who went into neighborhoods to collect cans after passing out more than 5,000 donation bags. They also carried them from vehicles into the church drop off site. Inside the church, volunteers formed an assembly line to sort and organize the cans. 

Hershberger said the economy may have played a role in this year's turn out, among other factors.

"I don't think people were ready for it," she said.

On Tuesday, volunteers like Rose Kerfoot were back in the grind, helping to distribute groceries.

Kerfoot has volunteered for many years, but couldn't recall exactly how many. When asked why she does it, she didn't hesitate.

"I enjoy it," Kerfoot said. 

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It's never too late to donate 

Food and monetary donations are always accepted.  Checks can be made out to:  West Hills Area Food Pantry, 522 Carnot Road, Moon Township, PA 15108

Car dealerships are collecting donations throughout the month of October. Cans are also being accepted at Tiger Stadium during Moon's home varsity football games.