Community's Generosity Helps Stock Food Pantry
As the spread of COVID-19 continues to escalate in Grand Island, making it one of Nebraska’s coronavirus hotspots, Lt. Liza Ayala and her staff have seen five times the typical number of visitors to The Salvation Army’s food pantry each week. “We are seeing a lot of new people, and they are all very grateful for the food,” said Lt. Ayala.
The number of lunches and dinners served Monday through Friday at the corps has also doubled. Lt. Ayala says the pressure and anxiety are palpable in those reaching out to The Salvation Army for help. “You can see it in their faces,” she said.
Thankfully, she said, the provisions keep coming in. Lt. Ayala credits the Grand Island community for their generous spirit, noting that several area businesses and restaurants have donated food to help keep the pantry and free meal services viable. “We are so blessed,” she said.
Another local business donated 250 masks to protect those waiting in line for food assistance, as the corps is admitting a maximum of 10 individuals into the building at a time.
Most of the corps’ volunteers are retired seniors, who, because they are considered high-risk, are not able to assist at a time when the corps is busier than ever. “Currently I’m the office manager and the case manager, plus I’m helping out in the kitchen, and I’m doing my own job,” said Lt. Ayala.
Despite her heavy workload, Lt. Ayala’s spirit of optimism and hope has not diminished. “We’ll get through it,” she said. “The Lord is providing.” Grand Island is serving five times the typical number of food pantry visitors a week during COVID-19 outbreak.