Groceries for Families: Week 1 - Day 5
March 27, 2020
Day 5 was another smooth and calm one for us all. There is definitely a nice rhythm being found by all involved.
Groceries arrived from Crossroads Bible Church. Families started arriving right at 1pm, with lots of smiles. Like yesterday, we recognized many faces and were able to greet some by name.
Outside, there is a canopy set up with all the extra food items being donated, other than the groceries. (see attached picture) We have also set up feminine hygiene products here, so women can choose for themselves. It’s a good experience that families can do some “shopping”, along with what they are given.
There is also a whiteboard set up listing all the available items inside. Families are able “order” what is needed. Site coaches scoot back to my office where there is a wall of hygiene and cleaning products ready to pick from.
A few stories for you:
The first four families today all needed size 6 diapers, which drained our inventory. I sent a quick email out to volunteers who are shopping for such items. Within an hour, another package of size 6 appeared. Thank you!
Of the 20 orders today, we were scheduled to deliver 3 of them. Two of those three ended up coming in person, too excited to wait and wanting to see what was happening. We did deliver the final order.
Only one family didn’t show up today. When we called the mother, she said she was simply too sick to come. We offered to deliver the order, but she asked us to give it to someone else in needed. We are already in need of extra orders tomorrow, so it will go to a family on the list then.
The waiting list is continuing to steadily grow. Churches are continuing to come on board to meet this need. Welcome Lighthouse Christian and Cornerstone Fellowship! Beginning next week, the current total count of families being served is 150.
Thank you for a wonderful week. Looking forward to one final day tomorrow and then a day of rest.
Ken Carpenter
Service Coordinator, Jubilee REACH
