I’m thinking about everyone in our community and I hope that you and your family are hanging in there.
I want to share with you the inspiring day that was last Thursday. As our volunteers and staff arrived to set up our largest food pantry of the week, we were notified that our delivery truck was delayed. Not only did this mean we needed more people to unload, pack, and distribute food in a timely fashion, but we also had to serve an additional 100 participants because the Tuesday pantry had been canceled due to rain.
I immediately started making calls to staff and volunteers, to which people responded, “I’m putting on my shoes now, I’ll be right there!” Despite the short notice, people showed up! When the shipment finally arrived, our assembly-line team bagged and distributed 14,000 pounds of food. All 500 participants received their groceries, and SF Oral Surgery donated sandwiches to feed our volunteers. While stressful, our community truly came together for an inspirational day that highlighted what I love about Richmond!
The Richmond Neighborhood Center moves forward with the collective power of everyone pitching in what they can—time, money, food, and calling upon friends and family. This is the heroism among our community: people who continue to show up. We even have a long list of new volunteers waiting for their background checks to clear before making deliveries.
Meeting Community Needs
Since the shelter-in-place order, we have seen more food insecurity, an increased need for deliveries to keep seniors safe, and more acute isolation in our home-bound participants. We also know that families in our school-based programs are feeling the economic and social impacts of widespread closures. Our school staff has worked with SFUSD to reach out to our families to help with essential needs, food, and technology to prepare for distance learning. During the SFUSD Spring Break, our staff is experimenting with tools and making plans to launch virtual activities and community building next week. Part of this planning includes developing support mechanisms for students who need them.
Fundraising Progress
Our first-ever virtual gala has raised more than $46,000 toward our $50,000 goal in ticket sales, auction bidding, paddle raises, and donations! I want to say a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who has contributed. You are showing us what is possible and giving us the confidence to continue providing essential services during this uncertain time. Golden Gate Gala at Home online auction ends this Thursday—that means there are just two days left to bid on great items ranging from local gift cards to once-in-a-lifetime tours of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco City Hall! Your bid or donation could be the one that puts us over the top.
Please help us finish strong by sharing the auction with your friends and family! Thank you again for all of your support.
To learn more about our community outreach, visit our page.
Sincerely,
Michelle Cusano
Executive Director
