With the sheer number of natural and man-made calamities making the headlines these days, it’s easy to forget about all of the families struggling financially or otherwise in our own backyards, writes Mary English for The Times Herald. 

That’s why Colonial Neighborhood Council keeps outreach efforts like its annual Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas toy giveaways strictly local, says CNC Executive Director Sandi Fryer.

The Conshohocken-based nonprofit operates a community food pantry, thrift shop and Meals on Wheels (MOW) program and has been a consistent resource for down-on-their-luck families in the Colonial School District — including Plymouth and Whitemarsh Township residents — for the past 50 years.

The agency is largely dependent on volunteers and donations to stay afloat. For example, some 30 participants recently pledged $650 to CNC’s MOW program during a “Meals Without Wheels” walk that delivered McDonald’s breakfasts to clients along its regular Conshohocken routes, and a group of students from Colonial Middle School helped organize goods in the organization’s pantry and thrift store.

To that end, CNC just kicked off its yearly Christmas toy drive in partnership with the school district. Unwrapped toys and gifts may be dropped off at CNC, 107 E. Fourth Ave.; Conshohocken Police Department, 400 Fayette St.; or St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 508 Harry St., all in Conshohocken. Donated items are matched to wish lists secured by CNC and CSD in time for pickup by recipients at St. Mark’s on Dec. 15 and 16.

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