Erie Queer Community's Food Drive a Resounding Success

By Bobbie Fenno

The Erie Queer Community came together on Saturday, May 10, and once again showed the strength of unity, compassion, and grassroots care. The Second Harvest Food Drive, held at Central Outreach Wellness Center, was a heartfelt success, gathering 676 pounds of non-perishable food plus monetary donations for local families in need.

From start to finish, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, filled with familiar faces, new connections, and a shared commitment to giving back. Volunteers and donors alike showed up in full force, with many bringing not only food donations but also encouragement, hugs, and stories of why mutual aid matters to them.

Thanks to the support of so many, all donations will be distributed by the Second Harvest Food Bank of NW Pennsylvania to families right here in our region, proving once again that when we care for each other, everyone benefits.

What made this event even more special was the collaboration between a wide array of queer organizations, including Aging With Pride, Ascend Climbing / Queer Scouts, Bears Do Dinner, Central Outreach Wellness Center, Compton's Table, Erie Gay News, Family Services of NW PA, Free Mom Hugs, Journey: Healing Together, LBT Women of Erie, NW PA Pride Alliance, Pennsylvania Equality Project, TransFamily of NW PA, Wabtec's Pride ERG, Werner Books & Coffee, Whee! Studios, and Yellow Brick Roads, and Zone Dance Club. Each group brought their own energy and voice to the effort, and together, they created something powerful, tangible support for our neighbors and a shining example of what it means to show up for community.

This food drive, following the earlier Coat & Boot Drive, highlights how the LGBTQIA+ community continues to lead with love, solidarity, and action. These drives aren't just charity, they are mutual aid in its truest form, rooted in shared experience and a deep desire to uplift one another.

The Erie Queer Community thanks everyone who participated, donated, or helped spread the word. Stay tuned for future events, because this is just the beginning. When we work together, we thrive together.

Photos

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