VMSC Collecting Donations for 'Phil-a-Boat'

Volunteer Medical Service Corps of Lansdale wants you to help Phil-a-Boat for Philabundance.

VMSC is reaching out to the community to help feed hungry neighbors in the Delaware Valley.

It plan — to load up donations onto its new 14-foot Achilles inflatable rescue boat and tow it, along with an entourage of emergency vehicles, to the Metroplex in Plymouth Meeting, where the donations will be given to Preston & Steve's "Camp Out for Hunger."

The "Camp Out for Hunger" event runs through Friday, Nov. 30, with proceeds going to Philabundance.

According to VMSC Battalion Chief Jonathan Detweiler, the idea began with rescue Captain Rich Roberts. He began discussing ideas on how to help out the local community. 

Then, Rescue Sgt. Andrew Bell came up with the idea of filling the new boat with donations. The rescue boat is used in emergencies where people need rescue from rising flood waters.

The goal is fill the boat with 400 pounds of food donations through Thursday, Nov. 29.

Donations can be dropped off at the VMSC Lansdale main station at 175 Medical Campus Drive, Hatfield Township, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

Here are the items being requested for the donation:

• Canned/shelf-stable tuna
• Macaroni and cheese
• Canned pasta
• Canned beef stew
• Canned chili
• Creamy peanut butter
• Jelly
• Canned green beans
• Canned corn
• Canned fruit
• Breakfast cereal
• Hot cereal