South Kensington: Catholic Worker House Continues Founder’s Mission Of Serving Those In Need
The intersection of Lawrence and Jefferson streets may seem like a regular corner, but between noon and 1 p.m. a line will form in front of a nondescript apartment window. Members of the community will patiently wait outside The Sister Peter Claver Catholic Worker House for the free, hot lunch it provides Monday through Thursday […]
Strawberry Mansion: Shoe Drive Campaign Makes Environmental and Economic Impact
Irvin B. Shannon, executive director of the Harmonious Volunteer Center (HVC), walked into Wash-n-Dry Laundromat at 26th Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue on Wednesday, Dec. 2. He greeted the laundry attendant, opened the lid of a large trash bin, and reached his arm all the way to the bottom. This particular trash bin wasn’t […]
Northern Liberties: Healing, Helping and Finding Homes for Animals
Street Tails Animal Rescue’s mission is to give the homeless and unwanted the second chance they all deserve- with a focus on those with special needs. The volunteers at STAR devote their time, energy, and love to give those animals another shot at a happy healthy life. One of the unique qualities of STAR is […]
Old City: Thank-a-Vet Helps Veterans Put Best Foot Forward
An ‘80s cult classic movie gave Shannon Drake one of her first ideas for Thank-a-Vet. The therapist, who works with veterans in a Northeast Philly housing program, said she was talking to a veteran who was struggling with depression. “He was talking about giving service to the country but then it was over and […]
Mayfair: Putting Used Goods To Good Use
At first glance, the interior of The Camouflage Rhino looks and feels just like any other thrift store you may have visited. Racks of clothing, second-hand furniture and various used appliances fill the sales floor. However, after learning about the store’s mission, these items suddenly have a noble purpose. The Camouflage Rhino employs area vets […]
West Poplar: Helping Hand Rescue Mission Transforms the Lives of Those in Need
Helping Hand Rescue Mission has given homeless and impoverished people within its community a chance to revitalize their lives through religion and its services. Located at 610 N. 6th St., the mission offers Thursday night Bible studies for those in need. About 25 homeless people line up at the fence outside of the Christian church […]
Kensington: Habitat for Humanity ReStore Made Possible Through Donations
Habitat for Humanity ReStore, set in a 19,000 square-foot warehouse, serves about 200 people per day. If it weren’t for non-monetary donations, the unique second-hand retail outlet in Kensington would not be able to open its doors for operation or serve the community at all. Habitat for Humanity ReStore, located at 2930 Jasper St., opened […]
Fishtown: Donations of Prom Dresses for Girls in Need
Maryelis Santiago recently realized that many young girls might not be able to afford prom attire due to financial shortcomings. Hoping that girls may get the dresses they deserve, Santiago has formed a prom dress drive, asking people to donate their gently used dresses for those in need to wear to prom this April. “I […]
Carroll Park: Ministry Provides ‘Helping Hands’
Thomas Smith of Cedar Park stood in line with more than 50 people waiting outside Philadelphia Police Department’s 19th District station at 61st and Thompson streets. Smith was one of hundreds of community members who received donated clothes, food and other items from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Smith, 62, is unemployed and said he […]
North Philadelphia: Salvation Army Running Low on Winter Resources
Read the version in Spanish here in Al Dia. A piece of computer paper was taped to the window at the front desk of the Salvation Army. It read “Sorry, no more boy coats” with a sad face drawn beneath. In fact, the Salvation Army at 3150 N. Mascher St. has no coats left for […]