04/20/2020
INFORMATION FROM LINK
585% Increase in Deliveries
“Ordinary people can do extraordinary things that can change the course of history.” – Jonathan Dyer
It has been a challenging two weeks since our last update. However, people are reaching out to support LINK. Becca and Marc organized a food drive in their neighborhood to benefit LINK. It is acts such as this that are helping LINK put food on the shelves. In an ordinary week, LINK serves 20 families. In an extraordinary week (week of April 12 - 18) LINK delivered food to 137 families (719 individuals). That isn't possible without people volunteering to help in so many ways. We won't give up, if you keep offering help through donations, prayers, and volunteer time.
If you would like to help, here are some ways to help -
Drop off food at Herndon United Methodist Church (701 Bennett St., Herndon) - there is a container in the front of the church to put your donations inside or Christ the Redeemer Church (46833 Harry Byrd Hwy., Sterling) - there is a container inside the front doors.
Donate food to LINK through our AMAZON WISH LIST - many of our member churches are closed during this time, so this is an easy way to donate food to LINK. Click here to view our WISH LIST
Donate fruit and vegetables - our grocery stores aren't providing as much food, so we really need fruit & vegetables. If you would like to donate these items - Click here to get more info.
Volunteer to deliver food for LINK. Click here to view the current delivery needs.
Volunteer to pick up food at area restaurants. Click here to view the restaurants - view the tabs at the top for options.
Donate funds to help provide grocery gift cards. Click here to donate.
Volunteer to Translate/Interpret Spanish messages - Click here to get more info.
LINK Wish List of Donations —Jelly, Peanut Butter, Hearty Soups, Canned Meats (tuna, chicken, etc.), Canned Corn, Canned Carrots, Canned Peas, Canned Potatoes, Pasta Sauce, Canned Tomatoes (diced type), Canned pasta (like Chef Boyardee), Boxed Potatoes, Hamburger/Tuna Helper, Snack items for kids, Baking products (oil, flour, sugar, etc.), Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, soap), Toilet paper and Paper towels.
We do want to share some important updates with you regarding how we are responding to the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation. We are introducing several important changes to keep our clients and our volunteers safe:
Hand sanitizer and gloves will be available to volunteers who come into the pantry. We are asking that all volunteers first thoroughly wash their hands before packing or picking up food.
We are asking our delivery volunteers to communicate with the families that their food will be left on their doorstep and they will knock or ring to announce that the food has been delivered at an agreed upon time. Once the recyclable delivery bags are returned to the pantry, we are asking that the volunteers thoroughly wash their hands again.
We continue to encourage our volunteers to stay home if they are not feeling well, as an additional safeguard to keep everyone healthy.
We will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves, and we will do everything in our power to continue helping the families in our community, while also striving to keep everyone safe.
Now more than ever, we realize how small our world is, and the importance of coming together to help those in need.
Thank you for your continued support during this concerning time. We hope you and your family stays safe and healthy and we appreciate your support in keeping everyone safe during this time.
I am afraid to leave my home. I am 82 years old and I don't have family nearby. Thank you, LINK, for bringing food to my home. Stay safe and thank you for the good work you are doing!
Maria, LINK client
