“People First doubles number from last year’s event”

People First doubles number from last year’s event

Posted: 27 Nov 2010 11:14 AM PST

By Heather Tyrrell, News Editor

In this economy, there are more people struggling to keep their jobs and homes, even some so much they can't afford a nice, hot meal.

For the second year in a row, Elsayed (Steve) Elmarzouky, president of Queen City Family Restaurant in Reading, has led an effort to feed those in need, an effort he calls, "People First."

In addition to offering a free meal comprised of ham, filling, green beans, rolls and dessert to those in need at his restaurant, he expanded the effort to several Berks Encore locations including Birdsboro.

Elmarzouky said that he wanted to expand the People First event to help senior citizens and other people in the Berks Encore location areas.

"We have doubled the number of last year," Elmarzouky said, adding that at the restaurant, more than 1,500 people had been fed.

"It has always been a dream of mine to give back to the community," he said. "I came up with an idea people don't think about. While I was growing up, I was deprived of a lot of things."

"The easiest way to give back was to help people who are suffering the most," who have lost their jobs or even their homes, Elmarzouky said.

He said he wanted them to eat with others and feel like normal people. Volunteers talked with the guests while they were eating to make them feel at home.

The guests were very gracious that they had a chance to sit together and eat, Elmarzouky said. Continued...

People First may be the brainchild of Elmarzouky, but it takes coordination from various agencies and volunteers to make it all happen.

The Berks County Intermediate Unit provides bus transportation from guests around Reading.

In addition, the People First event committee, St. Joseph Medical Center, Greater Berks Food Bank, various area businesses, Berks Coalition to End Homelessness and its member agencies are also involved with the big day.

Elmarzouky said that the event takes about eight months to plan. Last year a snowstorm in December presented some challenges for holding the event which is one of the reasons People First was held in November.

In Birdsboro, the attendees were mostly those who participate in Berks Encore activities at the Birdsboro Community Memorial Center.

Carol Smith, center manager, said she did see a few new faces from the community during the meal.

Smith was very enthusiastic about the expansion of People First to Berks Encore.

"This is a wonderful opportunity," she said. "It's great to see the community coming together."

Morgantown residents Paul and Carol Wirkus were two of the volunteers in Birdsboro. They said they help out with the Meals on Wheels program.

"It is nice to give something to the community, but also what makes it worthwhile are the smiles on people's faces," Paul Wirkus said. Continued...

By Heather Tyrrell, News Editor

In this economy, there are more people struggling to keep their jobs and homes, even some so much they can't afford a nice, hot meal.

For the second year in a row, Elsayed (Steve) Elmarzouky, president of Queen City Family Restaurant in Reading, has led an effort to feed those in need, an effort he calls, "People First."

Elmarzouky said that he wanted to expand the People First event to help senior citizens and other people in the Berks Encore location areas.

"We have doubled the number of last year," Elmarzouky said, adding that at the restaurant, more than 1,500 people had been fed.

"It has always been a dream of mine to give back to the community," he said. "I came up with an idea people don't think about. While I was growing up, I was deprived of a lot of things."

"The easiest way to give back was to help people who are suffering the most," who have lost their jobs or even their homes, Elmarzouky said.

He said he wanted them to eat with others and feel like normal people. Volunteers talked with the guests while they were eating to make them feel at home.

The guests were very gracious that they had a chance to sit together and eat, Elmarzouky said.

People First may be the brainchild of Elmarzouky, but it takes coordination from various agencies and volunteers to make it all happen.

The Berks County Intermediate Unit provides bus transportation from guests around Reading.

In Birdsboro, the attendees were mostly those who participate in Berks Encore activities at the Birdsboro Community Memorial Center.

Carol Smith, center manager, said she did see a few new faces from the community during the meal.

Smith was very enthusiastic about the expansion of People First to Berks Encore.

"This is a wonderful opportunity," she said. "It's great to see the community coming together."

Morgantown residents Paul and Carol Wirkus were two of the volunteers in Birdsboro. They said they help out with the Meals on Wheels program.

"It is nice to give something to the community, but also what makes it worthwhile are the smiles on people's faces," Paul Wirkus said.

Mary Heffelfinger, 100, from Schuylkill County, was visiting her daughter from Birdsboro and found out about the meal. She had the chance to catch up with friends during the meal.

Businesses, organizations and community members donated gifts for the People Event guests. Those that donated gifts included Berks County Intermediate Unit; Bon Ton; Boscov's; Customer's Bank Wyomissing Team; Dick and Angela Ehst; J.C. Penny; June Houck, State Farm Insurance, Shillington; Jewish Family Services; Jay and Sherry Sidhu, Pat Zong and Giant Foods.

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