COVID-19 Oureach: Update (4/6/20)
-
April 6, 2020
From Coordinator Beth Vecchio (as of 4/3/20):"Many people in the general community, as well as Notre Dame parishioners are sharing in our outreach, by donating fabric, sewing machines, elastic, food, crocs, disinfectants, masks and personal products... I only wish all of these generous donors could see the faces of the people who receive at the hospitals, ambulance units, and agencies. They smile and say 'Wow! Thank you so much!!!' every time we deliver... The Food Pantry says that we are the ONLY DRIVE going on right now in the entire county! They really need our help!""
Deliveries this past week:
- 135 lbs. of food delivered to Food Pantry
- Approximately 80 lbs of food delivered to Homeless Solutions
- Approximately 120 lbs of food delivered to Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris
- 20 pairs of Crocs delivered to Morristown Memorial and Overlook Hospitals
- 60 masks delivered to Morristown Memorial, Overlook Hospital and Cedar Knolls Fire Dept.
- 3 Trays of Pasta and Meatballs picked up from East Hanover Diner (they donated) and delivered to Homeless Solutions shelters in Morristown (thanks to Christi Sauter facilitating!)
- The health care workers at Villa Walsh now have beautiful hand-made masks, thanks to Notre Dame's quilting ministry. "We are very grateful", said Sharon, one of the nurses serving the infirm.
Please note: The food pantry welcomes CANNED HAMS this week. Please do not donate FRESH HAMS."The food collection and distribution is ongoing throughout this crisis time. All items may be placed in the white van or on the porch at 16 Ridgedale Ave., continuously. There is no need to touch or see anyone. There are disinfectant wipes inside the van for your use.
Alice Muir, Quilting Ministry Chair, shares a story reflecting God's perfect timing:
"So, I just wanted to share some thoughts with you. Several years ago a woman came into a Quilting Ministry meeting and told us that she had some fabric to donate. She brought in about 100 yards of tightly woven fabric. Unfortunately it doesn't make for a very cozy quilt so I just stored it bins. It has been taking up room in my basement for quite a while now. So I washed it and dried it and it makes for great face masks in a variety of colors. Then about a year ago another woman came in and gave me a bin full of ribbon. Last winter there was a great sale at Joanns and I bought about 20 yards of flannel to have on hand... even though I didn't need it. And so now you have face masks, you can't tell me that these things just dropped into my lap for no reason. Just thought I would let you know where the supplies came from."
