The Community & Engagement Services (CES) committee in the Department of Internal Medicine is excited to announce that our engagement drive this fall will be for CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank.
Beyond its direct threats to health, the pandemic has placed many in economic peril. Whether it was due to the loss of income or increased medical expenses or any of a dozen other reasons, our neighbors and friends may have endured significant shortages of some essential needs. Sometimes those needs are household goods, sometimes food, sometimes mental or emotional support.
We are fortunate in Johnson County that robust social services have existed for many years, ready to catch those who are at risk of slipping between the cracks. CommUnity has been here long before COVID-19 arrived and will be here long after.
Though CommUnity offers far more than just access to free or reduced price staples for those experiencing food insecurity, here is some data just on that aspect of their work.
Nearly a thousand families a week rely on the food that CommUnity can provide. Although need has tapered slightly only recently, CommUnity saw a 50% increase in their food pantry foot traffic every month since March 2020.
So, how can Internal Medicine help? For the next few months, we are asking members to add a couple extra items to their shopping list and then bring it to a barrel located conveniently near your division’s administrative office. CES members will monitor the barrels and coordinate with CommUnity for regular pickups.
Top ten needed donations
- Financial donations (Click the gold “DONATE” button at this link: https://givebutter.com/uihealthcareagainsthunger)
- Hygiene products
- Toilet paper
- Canned meat
- Baby diapers & wipes
- Baby formula
- Rice & pasta
- Hearty soups & stews
- Peanut butter
- Laundry detergent
In this drive, we ask you to remember that same belief that has sustained us throughout this crisis: We are in this together. In the coming weeks, we hope to share some stories of individuals whose lives have been touched and transformed by this worthy organization. We will also keep you updated on this campaign’s progress.
Thank you in advance for your generosity and for sharing that Internal Medicine spirit with our community and CommUnity.
[…] come about this in the months ahead, but I want to thank you in advance for your contributions to our fall campaign in support of local non-profit CommUnity. Click through for the list of needed goods or the cash donation link and let’s fill those […]