U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-2nd dist.) last week presented a $1 million check to Caring for Friends, 12271 Townsend Road.
Accepting the check was Vince Schiavone, chairman and CEO of Caring for Friends.
In 2022, Schiavone accepted $1.25 million from the state.
The federal and state money will go toward a 15,000-square-foot cold storage facility that will cost $5 million.
Boyle noted that the agency was created by Schiavone’s late mom, Rita, and has long relied on volunteers. He was a supporter of the agency, then known as Aid for Friends, when he served as a state representative from 2009-14. The federal money for Caring for Friends staff and volunteers, he said, was earmarked “to help them help Philadelphians.”
The charity was started in 1974, Schiavone said, because his mom believed no one should be hungry or alone. Volunteers cook and deliver food and provide friendship to recipients.
Caring for Friends relies on food donations, Schiavone said, adding that demand at food pantries remains high.
Caring for Friends operates out of a 30,000-square-foot warehouse. Construction of the cold storage facility would mean the agency could accept more donations. ••
