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Lehigh Valley Nonprofit Addresses Inequities for Struggling Families

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ALLENTOWN, Pa. (WLVT) - Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley is donating diapers, food, and other basic needs to people who are struggling to get through the pandemic.

Promise Neighborhoods volunteer, Jose Rivera, has been helping deliver items to people in need. He said when people first heard about the donations, they thought it was too good to be true.

Rivera said he’s been volunteering with Promise Neighborhoods since he was released from prison in August. “It’s important for me to help out because I was part of the problem for years,” said Rivera. He said since he’s been volunteering, he has not been in any trouble.

Dr. Hasshan Batts said donating necessary items can also help prevent violence in the household, because stress and tensions are high when you don’t know how you’re going to pay bills or get food. Having that, on top of a baby crying, can lead to child abuse or domestic violence. “People are really suffering,” said Dr. Batts. “The people that were hungry prior to COVID and the pandemic are hungrier. “The people that were in need are more in need. The people that were wrestling with housing instability are really in trouble.”

If you need assistance from Promise Neighborhoods, you can call their 24-hour hotline at 484.519.0357. You can also reach out to them if you are able to donate items for families who are struggling.