Big Hug Inc. will host its inaugural Pocketbook Bingo fundraiser at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 521 E. Orange St., Lancaster, on Saturday, April 29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Doors will open at 10 a.m. The event will include 10 games of bingo, two special games and giveaway drawings. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Space is limited to 200 bingo players. Tickets will be discounted when purchased in advance and full price at the door. To purchase tickets and for more details, visit http://www.bighuginc.org or search for "Big Hug Inc." Information is also available by calling 717-299-5599. The proceeds from this event will go to feeding people throughout central Pennsylvania over the coming months.

Big Hug Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization that works to feed those who are homeless and hungry throughout Lancaster, York, Berks, Lebanon and Dauphin counties. The organization was started in late 2021 by Linda Than.

When Than was a little girl in Vietnam, she and her family would gather around the dinner table to share meals and stories of their day. Than came to the United States just over three decades ago, initially living in Washington, D.C., for a few months before moving with her family to Lancaster. During her time in the nation's capital, Than saw many people who were homeless, and she felt a need to help. Big Hug Inc. is based on Than's joy for cooking and caring for others, interests that came from her late mother.

Since Big Hug's founding, Than has organized a five-person board of directors, which includes the Rev. Louis Butcher, former pastor of Bright Side Baptist Church. The board meets monthly and supports Than in her efforts to feed those in need.

Big Hug is seeking assistance from local churches and community organizations that have commercial kitchens and gathering space where Big Hug volunteers may prepare and serve meals on weekend days. Currently, two or three facilities per county are needed for this purpose. Thus far, Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Columbia has invited Big Hug to provide its services one Sunday in June and another in August. Volunteers and financial contributions are sought, as well.

Big Hug has set a goal to feed more than 2,500 people before the end of 2024. Than also hopes to one day have a food truck that will allow her to take her mission into the streets, directly to people in need.