OUTREACH FOOD DRIVE FOR HUNTINGTON STATION FAMILIES

Sunday, April 26 from 2 to 6 pm
St. John's Church parking lot

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a terrible and disproportionate impact on lower income families, with dire health and financial consequences.

St. John’s Outreach has been focusing it’s relief efforts on filling gaps for local families with no other recourse. To date we have provided pizza and weekly grocery cards for 15 families in Huntington Station who have been identified by our local partners as being in particular need. Their gratitude for our help has been profound (see box for some moving “thank you” texts). But as the shutdown continues, needs are growing.

Pilar Moya, Executive Director of Housing Help recently met with the Outreach Steering Committee via teleconference to update us on current conditions and help us discern how we might make the greatest impact. She is now working with 80 families who are in need of financial assistance until they are able to get back to work. Food and rent are the two most immediate issues. The local food pantries have been overwhelmed and are currently depleted. Food is a the #1 priority right now.

In response, St.John’s will be conducting a very targeted food drive this week.

We are calling on the people of St. John's to help us to make food care packages containing the 4 items that are most needed: rice, beans, evaporated milk and canned tuna or chicken. Our goal is to provide 80 care packages.

Food Drive Details:

When you are doing your regular shopping this week, please purchase the following 4 items and put them in a separate bag at check-out (paper or plastic are fine, or even a small box):

• Rice (1 bag)
• Dried Beans (1 bag, pinto, black, kidney, etc. - canned beans fine if dried are unavailable)
• Evaporated Milk (1-2 cans)
• Canned Tuna or Chicken (1-2 cans)

If you can’t get all the items, that’s fine. Just let us know when you drop off at St. John’s and we will do our best to fill in the gaps. Whatever you offer will be put to good use. Please feel free to assemble more than one package. We do ask you to limit yourself to just these 4 items in each bag. That will help us manage the program more efficiently and treat each family equally. It would helpful if we could anticipate what’s coming, and ask, if possible that you sign up here: Huntington Station Food Care Packages

Please deliver your care packages to the St. John's parking lot this Sunday, April 26 between 2 pm & 6 pm. We will direct you where to go and provide social distancing instructions when you arrive. Please wear a mask and gloves. You will be asked to put your items directly into the trunk of our designated delivery vehicles.

Lastly, we ask you to include these families in your prayers. They all want to get back on their feet as soon as possible, but right now, life is tough. On a positive note, we are hearing from Pilar that the kids are doing well and keeping up with their on-line learning. And that pizza makes everyone smile and forget their worries for a few minutes. What a gift it is to be able to help in such a direct way during this very unusual time.

Thank you for your help!!! This is a chance for us to make a real difference in our community.

If you have any questions, please contact Laura Swiggett ([email protected]).

To contribute to support St. John's relief efforts, click the link below:

Covid-19 Fund