FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 23, 2025

City of Morgantown Partners with LifeBridge AmeriCorps and United Way for Pantry Restock Project

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Month of Service, the City of Morgantown, in partnership with LifeBridge AmeriCorps and the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties, is coordinating a Pantry Restock Project taking place throughout the month of January, from the 1st through the 31st.

The initiative focuses on collecting essential items for local food pantries and community organizations supported by United Way, helping address food insecurity during a time of increased seasonal need. LifeBridge AmeriCorps members Joe Wakim and Sophia Selvaraj are leading the coordination of the local effort.

"As a former LifeBridge AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps VISTA member, I can honestly say that the MLK service project has always been my favorite. Dr. King’s leadership, courage, and commitment to justice continue to inspire me, and as someone with a history degree, I could talk about his impact for hours," said Wakim.

Community members are encouraged to donate items at collection boxes located at City of Morgantown facilities, which are serving as the exclusive drop-off locations for this project:

• Morgantown City Hall — Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• Downtown Public Safety Building — Lobby hours Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

In addition, the Morgantown City Ambassadors will be available to collect donations from downtown businesses and community members while on patrol. They can be contacted by phone or email for pickups, typically 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.

Requested donations include unexpired, nonperishable food items such as canned fruits and vegetables, boxed meals, and shelf-stable staples.

“LifeBridge AmeriCorps and the United Way are doing important work in our community, and our staff are glad to support them by helping ensure they have the supplies needed to continue serving Morgantown families through the winter," said Caitlyn Lewis, City of Morgantown Community Development Services Coordinator. "The work local social service agencies and organizations do to strengthen our community is something we hope to support and spotlight whenever possible.”

Community members interested in contributing or learning more may contact the LifeBridge AmeriCorps members at lifebridge@unitedwaympc.org or by phone at 304-296-7525. To contact the City Ambassadors about a donation, please call 304-284-7522 ext. 7.

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