When the COVID-19 pandemic forced Pennsylvania restaurants and food service companies to change the way they do business, customers at Capt’n Chucky’s Crab Cake Co. in Colmar showed their appreciation for the local seafood shop by tipping generously.
But Terri Barrett, the owner of the independent shop, thought there were other people who might need that money more than she did.
“We were doing okay – business was good – and with so many people around here out of work, I wanted to find a way to help feed those who can’t feed themselves,” said Barrett.
So Barrett and her friend, Al Moeser, who helps out at the shop, came up with a plan. She would match every dollar in customers’ tips with a dollar out of the store’s profits. Moeser chipped in a third dollar from the profits of his own business, J&K Equipment Inc.
“Every dollar a customer gives us turns into three,” said Moeser. “We have a core group of customers who will order $20 worth of food and leave a $10 tip. We have been truly blessed with wonderful customers during this tough time.”
Because of their customers’ generosity, Barrett and Moeser have been able to donate more than $6,600 since the start of the pandemic and are on track to surpass $10,000 by the end of the year.
They have donated the money to Pennridge FISH, the nonprofit food pantry that has served families in need in the Pennridge school district for decades. Thanks to support from the community, FISH’s food pantry remains well stocked and prepared to distribute food to local families who may have experienced a layoff, downsizing, furlough, or reduction in work hours.
“We are so grateful to Terri and Al and all the customers at Capt’n Chucky’s,” said Pennridge FISH president Harry Tucker. “It is generous local business owners like them who make it possible for us to ensure that Pennridge families who are struggling do not go hungry.”
In normal times, Pennridge FISH offers clients the ability to shop the food pantry at 800 W. Chestnut St. in person, but the pandemic has forced the pantry to alter its operations to keep clients and volunteers safe. Food is pre-selected and packed in bags, and clients pick them up curbside. That allows FISH to maintain the social distancing that state and federal health officials have recommended.
Pennridge FISH is open Monday and Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m., Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. To learn more, visit pennridgefish.org, email pantry@pennridgefish.org, or call 215-257-7616.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
