1. Some neighbors who depend on our pantry food have had to self-isolate due to COVID-19. Meals on Wheels of Greater Lynchburg specializes in deliveries, so they came alongside us as a valued partner, joined by Thomas Road en Español, Heritage Baptist, and CVACL to take food to the home-bound. That's over 300 deliveries since March that would have been hard for us to make!
2. Members of two local churches are volunteering each week to offer mentoring opportunities during food distribution days. Their role is critical in providing a listening ear and sympathetic spirit, as well as real-life guidance.
4. A partnership has been created with Philanthropyfashion.com and their new store in the mall, which donates 10 percent of their gross sales to two local charities, including ours. They also package necessities for the homeless and are supplying us with 80 of these "Not Forgotten Bags," which we will distribute to homeless neighbors and share with the Continuum of Care network.
5. Over 150 backpacks and related school supplies were distributed to school children last month, even though in-class learning has been delayed, and the need may increase as schools begin to reopen.
6. Some students have had difficulty in keeping up with class work in a remote environment. As that need was shared with us, volunteers came forward to be tutors and confidence-builders.
7. Food for Thought distribution has shifted quite a bit. About 200 bags are picked up weekly at the city's five secondary schools, but that's a far cry from the 900 we gave each week before the pandemic. We're giving out another 150 or so at apartment complexes, housing projects, and community centers, and a few church groups have agreed to help make the deliveries. We're hoping to find more helpers, particularly among retirees who can give a few hours each Friday.
8. Remember the couple making face masks in March in exchange for donations to Park View? They're still at work, having made nearly 2500 of them! That translates to over $10,000 donated, including large orders they received for a wedding event and a doctor's office.
9. Clothing distribution is not one of our major functions, but it is a basic need, and a few racks were set up as an offshoot of Food for Families. A year ago it overwhelmed our space and when we moved it to Life Skills Institute at the Plaza, it quickly consumed a 1200-square- foot room. In the 90 days before the pandemic, while open only two half-days each week, 20,000 pounds (that's TEN TONS) of clothing were given away, and even more were donated. That's why we're having the "Great Community Closet Cleanout" next Saturday, October 10, to clear out clothes for all seasons. Everyone is welcome!
10. Did you know you can help us when you shop online? Sign up for Amazon Smiles and designate Park View. It may be small, but many small donations can really add up. Thank you!
