In a formal response to recent concerns about the closure of the Pottsville Soup Kitchen and questions surrounding donations, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Allentown, has issued a statement through Andrea Kochan Neagle, the Managing Director of Catholic Charities.
According to Neagle, she addressed the confusion surrounding donations, stating that a $100,000 donation made in late 2021 was invested in an endowment fund to ensure long-term support for food services in Schuylkill County. Neagle refuted allegations that donations were mismanaged, stressing that Catholic Charities honors donor intent and operates transparently, as evidenced by its annual Form 990 filings, available online.
Catholic Charities expressed disappointment over what it described as "unnecessary confusion and misinformation" in a story Skook News posted and on social media but reaffirmed its commitment to serving the hungry across the county.
Neagle also announced expanded food service for the hungry in Schuylkill County will officially begin on September 30, with continued meal service in Pottsville and additional service in 10 other communities. Despite the closure of the soup kitchen on Mahantongo Street, meals will be provided through the Catholic Charities Community Café food truck three times a week, with the first service scheduled for September 30. Neagle emphasized that the expanded food truck service will reach a broader area, helping more communities across the county.
Their expanded food truck meal service will be available in 10 additional communities that have never before received meals from Catholic Charities. Further announcements are to be made on the new meal service in Ashland, Frackville, Mahanoy City, McAdoo, Minersville, New Philadelphia, Ringtown, Sheppton, Tamaqua, and Tremont.“I invite everyone in our communities to join us -- as a volunteer, as a donor, or as both – as we continue to feed the hungry and provide compassionate care for all,” Neagle concluded.