From Rob Gurnee, Executive Director, Lutheran Community Services:
Friends,
I hope this email finds you safe during this unsettling and unprecedented period in our lives.
All over this world, there are examples of love, support and expressions of the human spirit happening in the face of the COVID-19 crisis. I’ve been inspired by stories of music being played from balconies in European cities and an aerobics instructor on the roof of his apartment building in Italy leading a class for those able to see out the windows of surrounding apartments.
Here at home, I’m witnessing volunteers, staff, board members, LCS partner pantry sites, local stores and the nonprofit community coming together in amazing ways that are powerful and almost beyond description. They are all pitching in and doing what it takes to meet the essential needs of those who are most impacted by the current crisis.
LCS Operations Update
LCS continues to provide food, emergency financial assistance and health services (smoking cessation) to the most vulnerable in our community. Some of our team have had to pull back or work from home temporarily due to health concerns or school and childcare closings, but others have joined in. While we have had to change the way we work, our essential services are being provided to an ever-growing number of clients. In our 3 largest pantries, we have seen 3.5 times the number of first visits this week as compared to last week, many of them displaced hospitality industry workers.
We are so proud of everyone and grateful for the spirit that persists. Meeting our clients’ essential needs in this time of emergency has never been more important.
However, if we have learned anything during this crisis, it is that the situation can change quickly. We will keep you posted should conditions change, or restrictions increase. We are ever mindful of balancing the need to help others without jeopardizing anyone’s safety and are taking recommended precautions.
Room at the Table Breakfast
Not surprisingly, our breakfast scheduled for May 6 will not take place this year. Naturally, we are disappointed. It’s normally a time to bring together our LCS family, visit with one another, thank everyone, and be inspired by the stories of those that have been helped. It is also our largest fundraiser and we greatly depend on it to sustain our operations.
At a time like this, the most important word in Lutheran Community Services is COMMUNITY. We are community even if we are all not gathered in one room. We are shoulder to shoulder in this work, serving together and making a difference together.
Table hosts will be reaching out to their network of LCS supporters, we are sending Challenge Gift Program letters, and reaching out to those of you who have attended the breakfast in the past. And here is this year’s Pledge Form. Tell a neighbor or a friend about the importance of our services, share this email and our posts on social media, and help us widen our community to meet the need. A gigantic wave of consequences associated with the current economic disruption is coming for our clients. Together, we need to be there for them.
Important Ways You Can Help
• Donate
Contribute either online (preferred) or by mail
• Volunteer
Contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Lyn Budd, at lbudd@lcsde.org.
• Food
Here is a list of items we need
• Pray
For each other, our world, our community, LCS, and those who are struggling the most from this crisis
All of this is very challenging. We will work through it graciously and to the best of our abilities. Thank you for your support and for caring so much about those in need!
Be encouraged,
Rob Gurnee
Executive Director
Our Contact Information
Lutheran Community Services
2809 Baynard Blvd.
Wilmington, DE 19802
302.654.8886
lcsde.org