Food drive scheduled for Friday at MVCTC

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

Mon Valley communities are not alone during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Food drives, donations and programs have been rolled out to help families in need since the coronavirus began spreading.

Another food drive, sponsored by Fourth Street Barbecue in Charleroi, will take place Friday at Mon Valley Career & Technology Center.

Fourth Street Barbecue is a privately owned contract food manufacturer specializing in value-added proteins, meals and sandwiches.

Owner Dave Barbe said the business wanted to help community residents.

“The COVID-19 virus has affected all of us here in the Mon Valley,” Barbe said. “We wanted to help the local community as they continue to be impacted by the quarantine.

“As an essential business, we have been able to continue to produce our products and supply our customers throughout the U.S. with frozen breakfast bowls and sandwiches. Our employees felt it was important to provide some help locally.”

From 2 to 6 p.m. Friday, residents can pick up breakfast sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, fresh produce, cookies, nutrition bars, snacks and water.

The food drive is open to all Mon Valley residents.

Barbe said community volunteers and employees have stepped up to provide assistance.

“Many of our employees and some of their family members, along with vo-tech instructors, have volunteered to help,” Barbe said. “There are about 100 people who have been involved in sourcing, packing and will be helping out on Friday to distribute the products to the community.”

Barbe said everyone involved is excited to help.

“The products are available to anyone who comes by on Friday,” he said. “We are excited to help individuals and families who can benefit from some great frozen food, produce and household supplies during these challenging times.”

Cars will be directed to pick-up points to receive products, and Barbe said food is available for 500 families.

“As an employer of hundreds of people, we value our role in the local community,” he said. “Additionally, we appreciate what the Mon Valley means to our employees and all our neighbors.

“We think it’s important to help when you can and we are happy to be in the position to help at this time.”

Barbe encourages residents to remain hopeful.

“We are proud to be a part of the Mon Valley community and hope that this small gesture can help all those who participate,” he said. “It’s true — we really are all in this together and look forward to the days when COVID-19 is left behind us.”

Charleroi Councilwoman Nancy Ellis applauded the effort.

“I’m so proud and thankful that the Charleroi area has a company who has seen a need in the community for one of the most important of basic needs — food,” she said. “They not only stepped up to the plate but reached out to their many corporate contacts and asked them for participation and support.

“I am honored to have been asked to help organize this event and on behalf of the community want to I applaud Dave Barbe and his company for all of the time and effort they have put into this event.”