It is week 7 of Society of Samaritans’ Community Care for COVID and the numbers are staggering for this small and mighty nonprofit serving the Greater Magnolia community. Over 600 volunteers have served 3,000 families with 12,000 members in their homes since March 16 at the SOS Drive Through Feed My Sheep Food Pantry. Thees families included 5,800 children and 1,500 senior adults with 3,500 unemployed adults.
According to SOS’ Executive Director Shirley Jensen, high school and junior high students, Boy Scouts, families and neighbors have joined together to keep hunger away for from their West Montgomery County neighbors. Every Monday through Friday, at least 15 volunteers work together to plan and distribute the daily grocery giveaways. After a prayer huddle, one team begins “building boxes” with pantry staples: canned vegetables, fruit, pasta and pasta sauce, canned meats, rice, beans and any special items that are available. Another team bags up fresh vegetables and fruits. A third team boxes up meat, cheese, eggs, yogurt and other refrigerated items. Snack bags are filled with crackers, chips and whatever snack items they have. Other items organized to be given out when requested include baby products, personal hygiene products, cleaning products, condiments, and baked goods.
Families in need of food items drive through the line in front of the Friendship Drive location to have their trucks loaded with food for the week. A prayer partner ends the drive through checking with them about how they are doing and concludes with a prayer.
SOS also offers crisis financial help such as paying up to $300 in past due utility bills, $350 toward past due rent or mortgage and prescription assistance. SOS volunteers respond to calls and emails to gather the information needed.
After May 19, SOS will again be accepting gently used household items at their Resale Shop and The Giving Center at 603 Little Twig Lane. Families in need will be able to get clothing and household items at no cost or a small donation when The Giving Center reopens Saturday, June 6.
To learn more about Society of Samaritans and the work they are doing, to volunteer or donate, go to Society of Samaritans.
Montgomery County County Community Foundation creates legacies to support your passion into the future. You can support a specific nonprofit or an area of interest you are most concerned about by making a donation or setting up a fund. To make donation, click on the “Donate button” at the top of this page. To set up a fund, contact Julie Martineau at 281.367.8158 or jmartineau@mccfoundation.org to find out how.