Théa Kerekes, a senior at Lower Merion High School, has started a Philadelphia branch of Helping the Hungry Virtually, an organization that sends gift cards to families in need, writes Mike DeNardo for KYW Newsradio.

“What we first did was reached out to our local elementary schools so that they could match us with families in need because there are countless families in need in Philadelphia right now,” Kerekes said.

The group uses donations made through its GoFundMe page to buy grocery gift cards for those who need them the most right now and mails them to the families. The Philadelphia chapter has so far raised $4,700 that has helped 80 families both in Philadelphia and its suburbs.

Kerekes said that this is a preferable option to standing in line at a food bank during the pandemic since it is contactless. It also offers the recipients with a measure of dignity.

“They’ve all been incredibly grateful,” she said.

The group now plans to continue its work to help people with food insecurities even after the pandemic has declined.

Read more about the initiative at KYW Newsradio by clicking here.