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PATCO Introduces Cathedral Kitchen to Commuters

Camden’s Cathedral Kitchen partners with PATCO Cares community initiative

Pans of specially prepared cornbread will be the lure for PATCO commuters to learn more about the Cathedral Kitchen and the organization’s upcoming 3rd Annual Harvest for Hunger event.  Cathedral Kitchen representatives will greet commuters and hand out the cornbread at PATCO’s Ashland Station on Monday, October 5, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. (coverage invited).   This event is part of the new PATCO Cares initiative designed to help regional non-profit organizations promote their good works and seek support from the local community.

“Chef Jonathan Jernigan cooks wonderful hot meals for hundreds of people each week at our Cathedral Kitchen facility in Camden,” said Colleen Rini, Development Director for the organization.  “We are so appreciative that PATCO has given us this opportunity to increase the visibility of our programs, engage with the PATCO ridership and promote our services and events in the community. 

The PATCO Cares program partners the transit agency with select charities to provide a venue for these organizations to share their vision and goals with a large audience – PATCO’s 36,000 daily riders.

DRPA Vice-Chair, Jeff Nash, says “This is a win-win opportunity to both provide assistance to social service agencies as well as give our riders the opportunity to contribute to the community.” 

 “Especially in today’s economic times, it is difficult for non-profit organizations to find a means to reach people,” said John Matheussen, PATCO President.  “We are hoping that PATCO Cares will give some of the best charity groups in the region a chance to share their message and promote their causes to more people.”

 “We know our riders to be a generally caring group that is in-tune with the needs of our community,” said Bob Box, PATCO General Manager.  “This program will give them a chance to learn more about some of those organizations that do great work in our community, and, if they are so inclined, to provide financial or volunteer support.”

PATCO Cares kicked off in September at the Woodcrest Station with an event benefitting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and its annual City to Shore bike event.  In addition to Cathedral Kitchen, PATCO is planning to work with Ronald McDonald House, Center for Family Services, American Heart Association, Boys and Girls Clubs of Camden County and Wish Upon a Hero.  Riders are notified of station events with a seat drop, and the outreach conducted for the participating organizations will be unobtrusive to their commute.

Full details of the program are available on www.ridepatco.org and on PATCO’s Twitter feed: twitter.com/ridePATCO.

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