by Sarah Schramm
Christian Social Concerns (CSC) has been extremely busy reacting to the far-reaching implications of the Coronavirus since March 9, both in our community and especially how it impacts our at-risk and in-need individuals. We have been busy working nearly every day, between serving clients during our normal Monday-Wednesday-Friday openings, as well as receiving deliveries of food and staging bags of food for distribution.
The need has been tremendous. We have served nearly 2,000 clients living in nearly 600 households in the past 30 days of opening (since March 9). We have seen an increased need both in new clients, who have found themselves without work for the first time as local businesses have been shuttered, as well as long-time clients, who’s prospects for finding meaningful work have dwindled due to the same closings. This represents a significant increase; in this time period, we have served nearly 1/3 of the total number of clients we served in Calendar Year 2019. This will be the largest need – and the biggest opportunity to serve – that CSC has had in recent memory, perhaps ever.
The need is great, but so is the response. We have been humbled by the response from local businesses and organizations and volunteers. Specifically, the National Guard and volunteers at the Food Bank of Monterey provide us pre-packaged bags of non-perishable food for distribution. Also, local businesses such as Lucky’s Grocery in Pacific Grove, area Starbucks, and the Pacific Grove Unified School District have allowed us to absorb their surplus and provide to the needy in the area. The wonderful partnership with First Presbyterian in Monterey helps financially and with dedicated volunteers. Our small, but mighty volunteer team at CSC is incredible and they get things done every single time we are open and behind the scenes.
Individuals are really the key here, and there is much work to be done and too many heroes (lower case h) to list here. If you would like to help our team, either with your hands or your wallet, please contact Sarah Schramm at sarah.s.schramm@gmail.com.