2022 Spring Newsletter

Spring is here! As we enjoy the sunshine and the flowers blooming, we are still serving Camden families with the same compassion and kindness our God calls us to demonstrate. By His grace and the steadfast hearts of our volunteers, over 67,000 pounds of food has been distributed so far in 2022.

It doesn't stop there. We are expanding into new schools and engaging students in new ways! We've seen families united through marriage and have made deeper connections with our sponsors.

None of this would have been possible without your prayers, support, and fervent faith in God.

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul 'therefore I will hope in him,'"

LAMENTATIONS 3:22-24 ESV

Pictured: Keith in the black shirt with fellow volunteers

A Volunteer Note

Keith Hender from Covanta has been volunteering with Wholesome Riches since 2021. From serving with us during the food distributions at HB Wilson, his passion for service to the homeless was once again ignited!

Hello! My name is Keith. My wife and I had a food ministry for 6 years before the pandemic. We fed upwards of 70 seniors on the 3rd Monday of every month along with our son and a group of retired volunteers. However, when the pandemic hit, our service opportunities completely stopped. Shortly after, I had the opportunity to serve with Wholesome Riches at HB Wilson Family School with my employer, Covanta. Afterward, I was very excited to go home and tell my family about my experience!

Soon after, my wife and I started brainstorming on how we could begin serving the homeless once again. My 17-year-old son who is in the Philadelphia Military Academy said he would buy 25 pairs of gloves and socks to give out, my wife purchased waterproof blankets, toothpaste, toothbrush, body wash, cards that speak of God's love for them, tasty cakes, peanut butter, and jelly sandwich, and a bag of chips in a sturdy bag.

We now have been doing this all winter and we thank you for planting the seed through simple conversations and opportunities at HB Wilson. I also thank Todd Frace (Supervisor at Covanta) for allowing me to come over and serve with you as part of our workday. We belong to EPIC church in Philly and want to thank you for all you do.

God bless and keep you all.

Keith Hender

Wedding Bells

Luis has been coming to our food distributions throughout the city since November of 2021.

He picks up carloads of food to help feed his neighbors. Matt Pilla and Luis have become friends this year throughout all the visits to the distributions and Family Community Group. Luis has had many difficult challenges in his family throughout 2021 however he wanted to make his relationship right before God in 2022. The two were married in March and we were thrilled to celebrate this special occasion with them!

A Box that Blesses so Many

In partnership with the Food Bank of South Jersey, each box is filled with essential non-perishable food items. The boxes are distributed to Camden individuals and families that need them most!

Wholesome Updates

Family Community Group has been off to a great start this Spring! The families have been enjoying doing crafts together, sharing a meal, and having good discussions! We are thankful for such wonderful translators as Jose Ramos from the Camden City Board of Education and Claudia Krusch from Trendy Latina.

Welcome New Schools this Spring: Woodrow Wilson, Morgan Village, Cooper's Poynt, and Davis School.

Students in Camden City are getting more community service this Spring!!

With the nicer weather and need for volunteer hours, we welcome students to serve with the Love Your Neighbor Initiative.

It was a blessing to be invited by Covanta Energy to the "Camden Schools Foundation Banquet" which serves to raise over $90,000 in 2022 for college scholarships for Camden City Students.

2022 Winter Community Impact

A Special Thank You!

3Circle Church for the adoption of Dudley School and providing funding for all 12 distributions in 2022!

Stagecoach Church for sending consistent volunteers each month to Catto Family School!

Covanta Energy for consistent volunteers and special projects commitment to HB Wilson!

The Birches West Community Group of Keystone Fellowship for providing gift bags filled with toiletries, scripture books, and special gifts.

Thank you to Ambassador Christian Academy for making blessing bags for students who do community service at each distribution!