Organization prepares Easter meals for those in need in Bucks and Montgomery County

WARRINGTON, Pa. (FOX 29) - Easter is a time when families share a holiday meal. However, for some families, buying the food is a luxury.

Leave it to a group of dedicated volunteers in Bucks County to prepare 1,500 meals for folks in need.

At Saint Robert Bellarmine Church in Warrington, it looks like a crew cooking for an army, but these belly-filling meals are prepped by volunteers looking out for those in need Easter weekend.

"We do 57 trays of string beans, mashed potatoes. We get the pots going. We get everything cooking and then we get out here and we set up the tables," explained Colleen Fuchs.

Fuchs is working with Feeding Everyone at Special Times or FEAST, a non-profit group helping less fortunate families in Central Bucks and Eastern Montgomery Counties.

"It only takes $6.00 for us to prepare each meal, so $6.00 goes a long, long way," Fuchs added.

With long hours, too, they've been at it since 7 a.m., but no complaints when it's a good deed for those a little down on their luck.

"Maybe they lost their job and they need a little help for a couple of months to get through. Some people we have are repeat visitors who need help long term, but we do what we can," Fuchs said.

Her daughters are helping, too, making it a family affair.

"I really enjoy doing this with my family because I get to spend all day with them and I know that we're helping other families who need it," said Allison Fuchs.

"My favorite part is seeing everyone come in and, you know, just the look on their face. You can tell how grateful they are to be getting this. It's really moving to see," explained Lauren Fuchs.

Organizers say many would not expect there to be such a need in places like Bucks and Montgomery Counties, but it is there in pockets.

"It is much more prevalent than we ever know, especially in the counties of Bucks and Montgomery. People expect it a little more in Philadelphia County. They don't expect it here," stated FEAST co-founder John Claus.

Of course, Easter isn't complete without full baskets for the kids and kids at heart, so these volunteers bring in plenty of those, too.

"It's all about just making sure that everybody that walks through the door walks out with what they need," added Claus.

The families will come once all the prep is done. But, the good feelings will last for several days to come.

"It makes you feel good. People come in with very, very sad stories and it really makes you appreciate what you have," said Fuchs.

The organization of FEAST says they've served about 25,000 meals since they started in 2012. That's meals not just for Easter, but Thanksgiving and Christmas.

For more information on how people can help, click here.