Helping Neighbors in Need
It is under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good, both for ourselves and others.
Dalai Lama
As the world shuts down, life as we know it has drastically changed. Dealing with this pandemic is disruptive to some while for others it is disastrous. Many struggle as jobs disappear and concerns mount about debt burdens, illness, the purchase of everyday necessities and where to get the next meal. During this time of crisis, it is imperative that we reach out to those less fortunate. Can we lend a senior a hand with groceries or prescriptions, or just make a friendly call to see that everything is okay? The Palisades Community Center is assembling a list of volunteers who are willing to help out and the Rockland County Office for Aging is shopping for seniors (845-364-2110). The PCC is also collecting food for People to People and Hi Tor. There are a number of agencies in Rockland who would welcome a monetary donation or volunteers for food delivery. We have assembled a few you might want to consider supporting.
These include:
Meals on Wheels Rockland
121 West Nyack Rd, Nanuet, NY 10954, 845-624-6325
To volunteer, call or go to the volunteer tab at mowrockland.org
Because senior centers distributing meals are now closed, home delivery of two prepared meals a day for those who can’t cook or shop, or are on Medicaid, are now being made five days a week. Office for the Aging funds 50 percent of the organization’s activities. In the past, food has come from restaurants, but many have closed. Donations to fund meals and volunteers to deliver food are needed.
Soup Angels
soupangels@gmail.com
18 South Broadway, Nyack, NY 10960
Send contributions to Soup Angels, PO Box 565, Nyack, NY 10960
This organization was formed thirty years ago
to feed the homeless. On Mondays and Wednesdays, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm, and on some holidays, Soup Angels serves the homeless and working poor a sit-down meal. All are welcome. With the arrival of the coronavirus, food is now prepared for takeout through the Burd Street entrance. Soup Angels is run by private fun ing with a team of volunteers that shop, cook, clean up and serve. On a normal day they feed between 85 to 100 people.
People to People
121 West Nyack Rd, STE 1 Nanuet, NY 10954, 845-623-4900
This is the largest food pantry in Rockland County addressing hunger relief. The center is closed and has transitioned to curbside delivery of food to its 1,400 households. Because there is concern that 300 seniors are not coming to pick up food, a delivery system is in the works. This organization is primarily funded by individual donations. Financial donations are welcome.
Catholic Charities Community Services of Rockland
78 Hudson Ave, Haverstraw, NY 10927
845-942-5791
Ccsrockland.org
This is an independent nonprofit food pantry open three days a week for about 200 weekly registered Rockland County residents. It provides enough food for three days. Produce is purchased and supplemented by generous do-nations from businesses like Stokes Farm. “We also grow our own products and offer high quality, local products,” said executive director Daniel Eudene. Food is now being prepackaged in bags. Donations and volunteers are welcome.
One to One Learning
640 North Midland Ave., Nyack, NY 10964, 845-512-8176
Sister Cecilia, a Dominican nun at Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill, runs an English reading program for immigrants. She has set up a separate fund where money donated goes directly to immigrants in need. Checks should be made out to One to One Learning with “Immigration Fund” written at the bottom.