Dear Friend of Care and Share,
We want to make sure we are in communication with you all about the efforts that we’re taking here at Care and Share Food Bank to address COVID-19 concerns and impacts.
Two things that can help right now:
-
Today, March 13, we need emergency volunteers to help pack food boxes for kids who are negatively affected by school closures end extended Spring Breaks. If you''re age 16 and up and can help today 1-3:30 p.m., please register here. There will be more opportunities to help.
-
During times of extreme circumstances such as these, I encourage you to make website donations to allow us to be nimble and flexible in our response. We will not be asking the community for non-perishable food items or cleaning supplies. Financial support will not only allow for neighbors and community members to stay home, it’ll allow us to respond in the ways that we see fit.
In the coming weeks and months, the economic impact of COVID-19 will likely increase the population of those in need of food assistance. Our biggest challenge is that we must maintain our food supply to match growing demands. It is important that our community is prepared should there be a need for increased response to serve those affected by quarantines, organizational shutdowns and school closures. Spring Break is almost here, and children’s access to school breakfasts and lunch programs may soon be affected. If the threat continues beyond the scheduled break – and all indications suggest it will – the needs could be unprecedented.
Due to the decline in volunteer support we have already seen, we will be asking for additional volunteer support from our community. As this situation continues to evolve, we will share updates and information. Please visit careandshare.org/COVID19 for the latest news.
One of the most important things you can help us do is amplify our messages online. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and help us share community news posts and updates as they happen.
The safety and well-being of our neighbors, partners, staff, visitors, and volunteers is top priority. We have created a comprehensive plan to address COVID-19. Here are some of the measures we''re implementing to protect our community:
-
We are stepping up our cleaning and sanitation efforts. Although we already receive high marks for AIB International food storage standards, we are adopting an “open door” policy, so we limit how often knobs, handles and levers are touched. Doors that cannot remain open will undergo an hourly, or multiple times per day cleaning.
-
We are implementing a no handshake policy at Care and Share while COVID-19 remains a concern. Please do not shake hands with staff, volunteer, or visitors. We recommend waving or verbally greeting people instead.
-
Our volunteer orientations and tours are temporarily suspended. We will offer virtual orientations instead.
-
We ask all staff and volunteers to please take all necessary precautions if you are immunocompromised or live with/care for someone who is immunocompromised. We support their decisions.
-
We ask everyone to stay home if sick. Individuals who arrive on site with symptoms will be sent home.
- Volunteers, please use the volunteer entrance on the back of the building facing east only.
-
Please thoroughly and frequently wash your hands in compliance with our routine hand washing policy, and follow other guidelines provided by the CDC and the Colorado Department of Health around disease containment.
- We are discouraging volunteers who have traveled internationally, or have interacted with someone who has, to please not volunteer with us.
In times of uncertainty, we remain reassured by the community spirit of our incredible supporters, volunteers, donors and partners. The members like you allow us to be swift in our daily response to hunger. I hope we can continue to count on your support in these challenging times.
Thank you, and be well.