Hundreds of neighbors and elected officials celebrate the opening of the new Mitzvah Circle facility in Lansdale

MONTGOMERY TWP — Mitzvah CircleThe nonprofit organization that helps hundreds of thousands of people meet their basic needs each year celebrated the grand opening of its new permanent home in Lansdale today.

Fran Held, executive director of Mitzvah Circle, said, “We are thrilled to open our forever home where we can serve local neighbors in need. This 24,500 square foot facility will allow us to mobilize more than 4,000 local volunteers to help more than 300,000 people each year.”

Mitzvah Circle’s goal is to bridge the gap between what government assistance covers and what families in crisis actually need by providing clothing, soap, diapers, essentials, school supplies and other essentials in southeastern Pennsylvania . The new facility, located at 435 Doylestown Road, will allow the organization to serve more people more efficiently.

At the grand opening, the Mitzvah team was joined by approximately 300 community members and volunteers, as well as county, state and federal government officials, who expressed their support for the organization and its exciting expansion.

“When every family can meet their most basic needs, it benefits our entire community,” said State Sen. Maria Collette, a Democrat from the 12th District. “I am thrilled to welcome Mitzvah Circle to their new home in my community, and I was so proud to help secure government funding for their facility so they can continue to supply millions of maternity products, diapers, clothing items and other essentials. vulnerable people across the region.”

State Rep. Matt Bradford, D-70th District, said, “The Mitzvah Circle is a tremendous organization that works every day to ensure our neighbors have access to the basic items and programs they need to have a good quality of life.”

“I am thrilled to join the grand opening of their new warehouse so they can continue their important mission and serve even more people. I am also honored to work with my colleagues in the State Legislature to secure $750,000 in funding for the new facility. Thank you Mitzvah Circle for all you do to make our community a better place,” Bradford said.

“The Mitzvah Circle is an incredibly valuable resource in our community, and through their work helping women, children and families, they have positively impacted the lives of many,” said Pennsylvania First Lady Lori Shapiro. “I am proud to be here today and stand with Fran Held and the Mitzvah Circle team as they celebrate their new home—a place that will allow them to help even more families live with dignity and prosperity.”

U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-4th, said, “For 15 years, Mitzvah Circle has been dedicated to helping families in need, and I am pleased to see their efforts grow with the opening of this new building.”

“From the diaper bank program to menstrual products, household supplies and social services, Mitzvah Circle is a lifeline for nearly 300,000 neighbors a year. I look forward to continuing our work together as they compassionately serve Montgomery County,” Dean said.

Commissioner Jamilah Winder, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, said, “On behalf of Montgomery County, we are grateful for the Mitzvah Circle’s continued commitment to providing essential items to families in need across the county.”

“Mitzvah Circle’s initiatives, whether a diaper bank, period program or youth outreach program, are an ideal complement to the county’s programs serving residents in need. We are proud to invest $250,000 in the new Mitzvah Circle warehouse in Lansdale and look forward to the next chapter in this vital partnership,” said Winder.

State Representative Melissa Serrato, D-151st District, said, “Mitzvah Circle has been a beacon of hope and support for countless individuals and families in our community. Their dedication to providing essential services and unwavering compassion have made a significant impact on the lives of those in need. We are thrilled to welcome Mitzvah Circle to Montgomery Township in Ward 151 and look forward to continuing our partnership to lift and strengthen our community together.”

Also in attendance were: State Representatives Nancy Gunst, Liz Hanbidge, Steve Malagari, Ben Sanchez, Greg Scott and Joe Webster; State Senators Cappelletti and Tracy Pennicuik; representatives from the offices of U.S. Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman; Montgomery Township officials and other local leaders.

Members of the local community are encouraged to learn more about the Mitzvah Circle on the website www.mitzvahcircle.org and consider participating.

Originally published: October 31, 2024 11:16 am EST