Connecting individuals, groups and causes to advance common good in our community has been the mission of Bridging RVA since we began in 2015. During the first few weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, we connected volunteers to other nonprofits and churches with existing feeding programs and food pantries in need of extra help. These organizations are doing amazing work in our community, but the current demand has never been greater. Through our network of local social workers, case managers faith-based organizations, and our community partner Community In Schools of Chesterfield(CIS), we have learned there are people in our community who are falling through the cracks. Many of our neighbors need food, hygiene products, and supplies necessary to continue schooling at home. In response to what we've learned, Bridging RVA has launched a Rapid Response Initiative called Drop-Knock-Leave. Here's how it works:
Bridging RVA has bags of food and supplies, ready for distribution.
Volunteers arrive at our distribution site where they pick up bags and receive contact information and delivery addresses. Recipients are advised that a delivery is on the way.
When volunteers arrive at each delivery address, they simply Drop the bags by the front door, Knock on the door, and Leave.
Recipients know to come outside after our volunteers leave. Sadly for now and in the name of health and safety, no handshakes, hugging or hanging around.
All of these individual needs have been identified and vetted by social workers, case managers, faith-based organizations, and CIS coordinators. We launched the Drop-Knock-Leave Initiative last weekend and have been pleased by the overall cooperation of everyone involved in the process. Everyone is adhering to the CDC guidelines; and volunteers and recipients have not been in direct physical contact with each other. How can you help? If you are not in a high-risk category as defined by the CDC, get signed up and join us! For health and safety reasons, we are unable to receive direct donations of food from individuals. We are currently receiving weekend food bags for children from Feed More and also purchasing large quantities of food, hygiene products and needed school supplies in bulk from local shopping clubs, stores, and supply houses. We need and appreciate your financial support of this initiative. Make a Donation. If you have any questions or comments, please send us an email at info@bridgingrva.com. Like everyone else, we are surprised to be living in such an unprecedented time of cancellations, closures and social distancing. Let's face it, none of us were prepared for a pandemic. But even in the midst of all the confusion and uncertainty, each and everyone of us has an opportunity to be part of the solution. Whether it is self-quarantining, checking on a neighbor, encouraging a friend, delivering food, providing medical help or other essential services, we all have a part to play. We believe there is enough food in our community for everyone. As long as we are safely able to serve our neighbors within the guidelines of the CDC and local government, we are committed to doing all we can to ensure no one in our local community is going without food and other life essentials. Let's work together to ensure no one in our community is alone or hungry. It is a "WE" thing...
WE are all in this together.
WE belong to one another.
WE need to be there for each other.
WE will emerge from this together!
"3 ways to love your neighbor and yourself during this pandemic."
Follow the CDC Safety and Health Guidelines
Make a Difference
Stay Well!
John B. Sawyer Bridging RVA, Founder and Board Chairman
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