Newark Area Welfare Committee Spreads Holiday Cheer with Pop-Up Shop

December 20, 2022

The work of the Food Bank of Delaware is not possible without strong community partnerships! One of those partners is the Newark Area Welfare Committee. (Pictured to the right – Tammy Sharp, Vice President, Newark Area Welfare Committee, Chad Robinson, Director of External Affairs, Food Bank of Delaware, Lyn Henshaw, President, Newark Area Welfare Committee) 

A steady stream of community members filtered through the Newark Presbyterian Church hall on Friday and Saturday for the Newark Area Welfare Committee’s first-ever holiday pop-up shop.

Spearheaded by the Committee’s Vice President, Tammy Sharp, the pop-up shop gave community members an opportunity to select the foods best suited for their household’s holiday needs.

Traditionally, organizers distributed boxed items for pick up. “We wanted to give community members an opportunity to choose this year,” said Sharp.

A contigent of smiling volunteers welcomed guests and helped them navigate the shopping tables. Tables were full of a variety of items like soup, canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, dessert mixes, condiments, sugar, spices, granola bars and more.

Participants pushed carts from table to table as holiday music played in the background.

One guest was overheard saying, “I couldn’t find these anywhere – thank you,” as she selected a box of granola bars from the table.

The event, organized entirely by volunteers, provided a festive atmosphere for families.

In addition to food items, families also received hygeine products like shampoo, body wash, toilet paper, feminine products and more. Each child was able to select a winter hat, pair of socks and gloves and a special stocking donated by National 5&10 on Main Street – it was a true community effort.

Tammy and Newark Area Welfare Committee Board President Lyn Henshaw expected to assist more than 500 households throughout the weekend event. For those unable to attend the pop-up shop, volunteers made home deliveries. Newark Natural Foods packed produce bags for the homebound.

Families were referred to the program through local schools, the Hudson State Service Center, Newark Housing Authority and others.

Food for the pop-up shop came from a variety of sources including the Food Bank of Delaware, schools, churches and local businesses. Over the course of four days, including two days for set up and two days for the pop-up shop, more than 150 volunteers assisted with the holiday endeavor.

The important work of the Newark Area Welfare Committee takes place year round. The committee has been serving residents of the Newark area for more than 90 years. In addition to operating the food pantry at the Newark United Methodist Church, the Committee also provides emergency rent and utility assistance, shoes for kids, fills care closets in local schools with clothing and school supplies and more.

To learn more about the Newark Area Welfare Committee, click here.