An Urgent Request for Help – Melanie Grace Global Marketing

For the past 18 months, I have been volunteering at an outstanding food bank with a limited number of volunteers who have been feeding the local and surrounding communities since 2009. We are so grateful for the long and established partnerships with many grocery chains, such as Wal-Mart, Sprouts and Albertsons, bakeries, restaurants and other small businesses who do their part and consistently donate to reduce waste and end hunger.

In February 2020, we provided food for 2,631 people and in six short weeks the need has drastically increased to feed over 6,000 individuals, far surpassing our capacity.

Please donate today at www.NewLifePomona.com/give.

To thank you, I will personally invite you to attend a private, donor appreciation event.

The population served at NewLife Community Church are generally the homeless, mentally ill, working class, skilled yet underemployed families, children and veterans. Many are retirees, disabled individuals and college students.

Working on the front lines has it’s dangers.

We do the hard and undesirable work. We never know what state of mind a person will be in when they enter our long lines to receive boxes of food. We have been threatened, yelled at, hugged and appreciated all in the same day. As this is an under-served and fringe population, many come through our doors sick, and at times, contagious. There have been times when I have become ill as a result. But, I recover and get back to work!

As a result of this pandemic, our model of delivery has shifted for the increased safety of all involved. Many food banks have closed yet more people are out of work, needing food to feed their households, and many drive from over 50 miles away. The barely educated and those with advanced degrees alike are now coming to us for help.

While other curves flatten, ours is rising!

Between February and March, due to the corona virus, the number of people we serve is skyrocketing beyond capacity! The data speaks for itself and I am personally asking for your help to bridge the gap.

You may not be on the front lines. Will you support those of us who are?

Would you consider giving the gift of life in the form of a donation, in memorial or in honor of a loved one? What has been halted in your normal routine? We can’t do any of the normal things we want to do right now!

**Here is a sample of the food we distribute every week. It varies depending on the donations we receive. We also provide food to other food banks and caring organizations when able.**

So, I ease my grief and frustration by helping others and give a tangible gift in memoriam. Have you ever noticed how much better we feel when we divert the focus from self, and consider others? We are in this crisis together and when we all give from what we are able – no more, no less – the needs will be met.

I’m not asking you to give without first, setting the example.

I have donated in memory of my parents. Nothing grandiose, but feasible. I have also made subsequent donations in memory of additionally lost loved ones. A donation of any size $5 to $500 will make an important impact in the lives of those who may be in more dire circumstance than we are. You also have the option of recurring or one-time gifts. It’s another meaningful way to continue to honor a loved ones memory.

Now that our cars are getting about three weeks to the gallon, will you consider your part in safe service to others and make a donation? Let NewLife know who you would like to honor. I will also create a special “In Memoriam” page honoring them as well. Of course, all gifts are tax deductible. www.NewLifePomona.com/give.

**IMPORTANT: Please designate “FOOD MINISTRY.”** **On the memo line, indicate in whose memory or honor your gift is given.**

To thank you, I will personally invite you to attend a private, donor appreciation event.

My point is this: The bottom line is that we need to buy more food or people will go hungry, be turned away and in some cases, pass away from poor nutrition. That should never happen in the USA. The destitution is real and we are stretched to our limits expecting to serve close to 10 thousand persons this month. No adult, senior citizen, foster child or veteran should go away empty handed, fearful and stomach aching with hunger.

**After your donation is processed, you will receive this confirmation.**

If you or anyone you know is in need of food, the distribution location is New Life Community Church, 275 East Foothill Blvd, Pomona, CA 91767, Friday’s from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm or until our resources are depleted.

Thank you for being part of the safe solution. I hope to be on the front lines again soon, serving my neighbors and possibly your neighbors as well.