Continuing to Love in Portland
Nothing seems normal these days.
Our ministry has always included building relationships and gathering neighbors and volunteers together. With social distancing and the most recent stay-at-home orders, it’s challenging to continue to meet our neighbors where they are and respond to their needs.
But we are learning and continuing to work, believing that God is in this with us.
Today, we distributed 51 food boxes overflowing with fresh vegetables, fruit, bread, potatoes, cereal, milk, onions and even an assortment of sweets to our Friends And Neighbors Network Members in Portland. Over the last 3 weeks, we have distributed almost 150 boxes of food in Portland, designed to be 50% of families’ grocery needs.
On a normal day, more than 40 neighbors join together as FANN members and work together to pick up, organize, and distribute more than 3,000 pounds of food. In the last 3 weeks we have depended on a limited staff of 5 consisting of 3 employees and 2 volunteers.
Our FANN members pay a small Members Fee ($3.00) at each meeting. This has created commitment, ownership, and equity within a very diverse group. Since the COVID-19 Pandemic began, we have suspended these payments. It’s a small thing for the organization, but every dollar is precious to our neighbors in these uncertain times.
“We have been contacting our members each week. One said that she scared that we were going to be closed,” reflected Kattie Hartwell, our FANN Program Manager. “Our families have thanked us greatly for staying open.” Keeping this program going is a HUGE relief for our neighbors, as many services and food pantries have closed while the number of cases continues to climb across our Portland and Southern Maine.
YOU have continued to stand with us, giving generously and joining us in prayer. That makes all of this possible!
HOW YOU CAN HELP
PRAY FOR OUR NEIGHBORS - We are praying that God will protect our community. It seems like a lot to ask - given the incredible needs of the world right now. However, we know that prayer is powerful and that our Heavenly Father is with us at this time. Pray for our neighbors to stay healthy, especially those who are older and have been a part of The Root Cellar family for decades.
PRAY FOR THE CONTINUED HEALTH OF OUR STAFF AND OUR FAMILIES. This is crucial to our ministry. The only way we can continue to serve in ways like this will be if we stay healthy.
GIVE - We believe that there are better days ahead for our ministries. We don’t know what it will look like yet, but we know that Jesus is with us, guiding our path through this challenging time. Please consider making a financial gift or joining us as a monthly partner - even $10 - $30 per month so that we can continue to love our neighbors in Portland, Lewiston and wherever God leads.
