CONTACT: Martin Indars
1-610-692-2112

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 20, 2007

WEST CHESTER - More than 500 residents attended Senator Andy Dinniman’s “Sharing the Harvest: People of Faith Respond,” a gathering focused on understanding the plight of those in need on Monday evening at the Chapel of Valley Forge Christian College in Charlestown Township.

“Just as Thanksgiving is a uniquely American tradition, this was people of all faiths coming together in a uniquely American way. Chester and Montgomery counties have been blessed with an abundant harvest, and it’s our responsibility to share it with those in need. In fact, it is through sharing that we truly embody what it means to be a community,” Dinniman said Tuesday.

The event offered an opportunity to showcase the vast array of faith-based initiatives that provide assistance to those in need, as well as a chance for networking among agencies and nonprofit groups. More than 75 community and faith-based groups were represented at the event where they distributed information about their programs.

“Sharing the Harvest” addressed a variety of community needs including health and transportation issues, as well the development of an improved resources network. The event also addressed the spiritual needs of society’s most vulnerable residents and included a presentation by the Faith Inclusion Network for Disabilities, which connect disabled residents with local faith communities.

In addition, at the event, Chester County Cares announced that its gleaning program has collected more than 300 tons of fresh produce since inception in 1996.

“Cuts to social programs at the federal, state and local levels mean that people of faith must step forward to answer the call of those in need. Government cannot do it alone. Though we come from different faith traditions, this is a responsibility that all of us share and, by the amount of people here tonight, its is clearly a responsibility that we all understand,” Dinniman said Monday.

For more information contact Senator Dinniman’s West Chester District Office at (610) 692-2112 or e-mail andy@pasenate.com.

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