Any given day we are open, there are between four and 20 volunteers needed to just do what we do," said Shira Zimmerman, senior director of programs, with The Factory Ministries. According to Zimmerman, the ministry, located at 3293 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, is fueled by volunteer power. "The volunteers are not just valuable," noted Zimmerman. "We can't do what we do without volunteers."

What the ministry does is connect those in need in the Pequea Valley community with resources in a variety of ways, including advocacy, The Factory Market, a learning center, a youth center, help with housing, and more.

Laurent Pelletier, vice president and commercial branch manager with M&T Bank, has taken part in the bank's program to encourage volunteerism by connecting with The Factory. "Each of our employees receives 40 hours paid time (during banking hours) to volunteer," explained Pelletier, who uses some of his hours to stock shelves in The Factory Market each week. "We are a community bank," said Pelletier, "so we want to invest back in the community."

When Pelletier was looking for places for employees to serve, he spoke with Adam Nagle, executive director with The Factory. Pelletier discovered The Factory's mission to better the community aligned with the bank's goals. Pelletier and Erica Pennabaker, business banking relationship manager, stepped up to help out at The Factory's first Homecoming fundraiser in 2021. Since then, Pelletier's staff members - Chris DiStasio, Heather Burket, Brittany Hawkins, and Tami Thompson - have all volunteered with the ministry. Pelletier shared that serving goes beyond simply donating money. "At the core of it, it's helping people that don't necessarily have what I can get every day," he said. "There's a power in actually being there and giving our time. It warms my heart to know that I can help in any way."

Volunteer Laurie Fleurant said that her efforts serve two purposes. "I volunteer at The Factory because they not only meet people's needs, but they also empower them to grow," shared Fleurant. "I always liked the concept that if you give someone a fish, they have a meal, but if you teach them to fish, they have food for a lifetime. The Factory teaches folks to fish."

"The Market and the youth center have the highest needs (for volunteers)," Zimmerman pointed out, "But hospitality and early learning and elementary (programs need volunteers as well). Every single department (has needs)."

Zimmerman went on to remark that all types of volunteers can be utilized. "What's fun is that each department adjusts to taking individuals or groups," she stated, noting that groups from Lighthouse Vocational Services in New Holland set up for The Factory's bingo events. "Whether it's a single individual or a small group at a church, we don't say no to help," Zimmerman stated.

Readers who would like to volunteer may call 717-687-9594. More information about The Factory and its programs may be found at https://thefactoryministries.com.