Volunteers based at in D.C. said they’re extending basic comfort to neighbors in need during the coronavirus crisis.
That’s why they gather every weekday at noon to feed members of the homeless community.
The New York Avenue Presbyterian Church and the neighborhood’s Business Improvement District feed between 100 and 150 people lunch on weekdays and breakfast on Sundays.
Celebrity chef Jos茅 Andr茅s鈥� World Central Kitchen donates 100 meals that are served by volunteers and church members who come from D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
鈥淲hatever you give, you get a lot more back,鈥� said of volunteering during the crisis.
鈥淢aybe you can鈥檛 change everything. Maybe you can鈥檛 fight the disease on your own, but this is something you can do to fight back,鈥� Snyder said.
Reaching out to help those most in need during these circumstances is 鈥渨orth a certain amount of risk,鈥� Snyder said.
AUDIO: Snyder discusses the church’s history of service
Safety protocols during food distribution include volunteers wearing some protective equipment and guests being given the opportunity to wash up inside the church, get hand sanitizer and go through the line to collect packaged meals while following social distancing guidance.
Snyder said the people who come to receive meals are incredibly civil and grateful.
鈥淭hey take to it, just the way anyone else would. They highly respect the rules and are very appreciative for what you do,鈥� Snyder said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 probably the most rewarding activity that you can possibly engage in.鈥�
Every Sunday, Snyder and other volunteers pick up and bring to the church for distribution donated food items from places such as Einstein Bros. Bagels in Falls Church and Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe in Arlington.
On weekdays, volunteers are still needed to help the effort from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can to help online.
- Sign up for news alerts from 海角精品黑料
- Closings and delays
- As coronavirus spreads, organizations across the region seek volunteers
- Maryland stay-at-home order: What鈥檚 allowed
- Virginia stay-at-home order: What鈥檚 allowed
- What businesses can stay open in DC?
- What businesses can stay open in Maryland?
- What businesses can stay open in Virginia?
- Traffic and transit changes in D.C., Md. and Va. during coronavirus response
- Coronavirus test results in D.C., Maryland and Virginia
- Coronavirus FAQ: What you need to know
