BY ROBERT TOMKAVAGE
Scranton photographer Meaghan Stevens hopes a new project will serve two purposes: help people unwind and feed those in need.
She recently started photographing families on their porches, a thank you gift for donating to Friends of the Poor Scranton and Family to Family food drives.
Stevens, and friends Holly Meade and Susan Conway, both of Dunmore, came up with the idea of “porch portraits” as a light-hearted way for families to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s something to break up their day and make them feel a little more normal,” she said. “They can put on nice clothes, do their makeup and have a little fun with a really serious situation.”
Stevens, who works full time for St. Joseph’s Center, saw the need in the community first-hand during a food drive.
“I didn’t want to take any money for the photos, so we decided on the charities,” she said. “We want to keep people engaged with their community and we realized a lot of people need help.”
She has done two photo shoots so far and has four scheduled for this week.
One family recently posed with items that help them get through their days.
There isn’t a minimum donation amount, but families must show Stevens proof they supported Friends of the Poor Scranton or Family to Family food drives.
Family to Family Director Linda Robeson said the help will allow the organization assist more people in need.
“We’ve been having a food drive every week since the pandemic started and will continue them as long as we feel there is a need,” Robeson said. “We’re getting a lot of produce donated and help from the Weinberg Food Bank, but every penny counts.”
Interested families may donate at familytofamilypa.org/donate/ or fotp-ihm.org. Stevens may be reached at Meaghan Stevens Photography on Facebook.
Contact the writer: rtomkavage@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5365
