Warwick once again answers the call
Warwick. Local groups join forces to aid area food pantries, raising more than $10,000 in a week.
| 19 May 2020 | 02:37
Neighbors helping neighbors or just another example of what makes Warwick - including Greenwood Lake and Florida - Warwick. Photo illustration
Two Warwick community organizations, Sustainable Warwick and Community2gether, were among the many groups and individuals who saw the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic consequences were having on area residents, and particularly on the region’s five food pantries.
They decided to do something. The idea that emerged was a $5,000 matching fund which they hoped would raise $10,000 for food pantries in Florida, Greenwood Lake, Warwick, The Alamo and St. Peter’s Church.
All of these operations are dealing with the dual pressure of greatly increased, urgent demand and the added precautions of safe handling and organization brought about by the pandemic.
A community responds
Word of the matching fund drive went out to the members of both organizations and, via the local newspapers, to the general public.
"The community's response was generous and immediate and in seven days we exceeded our goal," Community2gether treasurer Ginnie McDevitt said. "The donations literally poured in and we raised $5,254 which, with the matching funds, totaled over $10,500.”
Michael Helme, a member of the Sustainable Warwick Steering Committee, also noted how Warwick answered the call.
“I think many residents are looking for ways to help ou, and I’m glad our organizations were able to help channel their generosity and good will.”