This February seems much like last winter. The snow, cold, and the coronavirus pandemic has confined our Sisters to our Motherhouse, convents, and homes. Also, like last year, we decided our isolation will not deter our commitment to help the hungry in Rockland County.
Feeding America, a national nonprofit, estimates that nearly 30% of people in Rockland County are food insecure, and our local Meals on Wheels reports that the number is over 94,000 people. So as the pandemic persists, we know families continue to need our help. We launched our second annual food drive, Monday, January 24, and it lasted until Monday, February 14.
Meals on Wheels collected the food donation and noted that we collect over 1,500 pounds. The food items were donated to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center in Spring Valley, NY.
Sister Mary Murray, president, commented, “We are so pleased with the response that this food drive has prompted. It is one of the ways that we are living our commitment to address more effectively the needs of our suffering world.”
Although our food drive is completed, much work still needs to be done around the country and here in our neighborhoods. Feeding America has amazing resources for learning how each and every one of us can do our part. Will you join us in the fight against hunger? The Feeding America website encourages visitors to donate monthly to families in need, donate time as a volunteer, or donate by starting an online fundraiser. For a more local approach to end hunger, we ask that you become involved with Rockland Meals on Wheels, and Rockland Community Against Hunger.
We hope you will help us continue to feed the hungry throughout the year!