Most of what LCS does is personal. From start to finish, one individual interacts with another. Sometimes we use social media to help connect people to resources. Here are three examples from this week. 

A post on a Facebook group mentioned the death of a mother and health supplies the family would like to pass along. Our National Health Corps Delaware member serving at LCS saw it and mentioned the need for adult incontinence products in our food pantries. She met the husband and learned a little about his dear wife of 50 years. Now those items will bless individuals who visit our pantry. The daughter shared that her mother, “left behind a legacy of love that I am not sure can ever be filled.” Some of that love continues on to those we serve.

Our St. Stephen’s pantry coordinator posted a request for supplies on their Facebook page. A major supplier no longer had toilet paper, toothpaste, or bar soap, and they had run out of face masks. The next morning, a generous friend came by with bar soap, shampoo, toothpaste and toilet paper. We appreciate all the support we get from individuals, families, and groups who answer the call whenever we ask. It’s pretty amazing to witness the eagerness of people to give.

With an extra donation of baby diapers, our food pantry coordinator decided to share some on the Heart of Giving Facebook group. A mother of an eight day old baby came to pick up some diapers that same day. Being able to help a mom brought smiles to LCS staff who got to see the teeny baby benefitting from a stranger’s donation.

Recognizing the constant struggle individuals and families face keeps us looking for ways to reach out. LCS has certain items regularly, and we get “extras” from time to time. If you experience food insecurity, see our website for details and pantry schedules. We also offer emergency financial assistance, smoking cessation support, and the Delaware Food Farmacy. 

Individuals can join groups like Buy Nothing or Heart of Giving. These groups have rules such as no selling any items, prompt pick up, and specific geographic boundaries. If you are interested, search for your community’s affiliate at http://buynothingproject.org/find-a-group/ or https://theheartofgiving.org/community-giving-pages. Often, those who accept items from these social media groups end up sharing with others when they can. We hope that a combination of our services and outreach from others can help get individuals and families from emergency to empowerment and a better life.