Like other food pantries, Crossroads Community Church of the Nazarene is on the front lines of the new reality for local families left without a job thanks to the coronavirus. Calls are up about 500% since the outbreak began.
The shelves have been restocked through a check from the Montgomery County Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund, allowing the pantry, which does not receive government assistance, to continue feeding people during the crisis.
“Oh my goodness, it’s been a godsend,” said Mark Roberts, pastor of the church.
Since the fund was established in March, the foundation has given more than $48,000 to Montgomery County food pantries, childcare centers, health clinics and charitable groups that have seen an outpouring of need in recent weeks.
“I think what we’re hearing is our community is coming together with lots of different resources and lots of different creativity to serve those in need,” MCCF executive director Kelly Taylor said.
The funds also will support other local nonprofits that don’t provide emergency services but haven’t been able to stay open or raise money during the outbreak. Agencies can apply for funding through the foundation’s website.
The stay-at-home order has kept Jennifer Pruett from browsing the racks at Goodwill, where she buys clothes distributed to children through her nonprofit, Kids Closet.
“My donations are really, really down and my requests are up,” said Pruett, who has moved her bargain-hunting skills online.
With the emergency grant, Pruett said she would be able to provide a week’s worth of outfits for 20-25 children. Seven boys from four different families are waiting for clothes.
Checks were also sent to provide operating funds for three local childcare centers. New Beginnings Child Care and Fuzzy Bear Preschool & Daycare have since temporarily closed. Little Creations Daycare remains open, but is serving fewer children.
To donate to the fund, visit the foundation’s website at www.mccf-in.org.
