UTICA, N.Y. – The Johnson Park Center in Utica is celebrating 26 years of positive change while continuing its weekly food giveaway to help community members during the pandemic.

A food giveaway and anniversary celebration will be held from 3 – 6 p.m. Tuesday on the 1400 block of West Street.

Food will be available, as well as household items and children’s coloring sets.

The Rev. Maria Scates says JPC is there to assist people in their time of need.

“So, when you come here, if you needed housing because you are homeless, we’ll help you there,” said Scates. “If you need food to eat because you don’t have any food, we can help you there. If you need advocacy, mentoring and whatever else to help you get the services that you need, that is exactly what we do.”

JPC has been holding regular food giveaways since early on in the pandemic.

The next drive-thru giveaway is scheduled for Monday, July 26, and the walk-up event will be held Tuesday, July 27.