LINCOLN (SNR) – When the Lincoln-area schools closed March 16, a chief concern for many was the knowledge that some students depend on meals provided at their school during the day.
As public schools, charities, and even businesses stepped up to help families in need, Pius X High School in Lincoln did, too – creating a family food bank that has now joined up with Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS), to provide an even better response to more needy families.
Pius supporters’ generous donations provided more than 200 families with a week’s worth of groceries during the school’s efforts March 16-25.
“We have been overwhelmed with donations of food and money,” wrote Jan Frayser, director of guidance, in an email to school families.
“Thank you, sincerely, for responding to the call for help. You are doing the work of our dear Lord during this time of uncertainty and struggle.”
Frayser said the tremendous response prompted Father Justin Fulton, executive director of CSS and Katie Patrick, regional director, to reach out to assist Pius in the endeavor. CSS, with the assistance of the Food Bank of Lincoln, can “stretch” the dollars and food donated to continue to go to families in need of groceries.
Using the Food Bank’s resources also limits the impact on local grocery stores during the time of crisis, and puts into place more stringent procedures to curb the spread of coronavirus.
“The form on the Pius X website to request food will remain active,” Frayser wrote, “and these requests will continue to be fulfilled quickly!” She asked Pius families to encourage anyone who could use groceries to request food at https://www.piusx.net/covid19/request-week-of-groceries/.
“We want to serve our community,” she stressed. “Let’s commit to praying for each other and the end to this crisis.”
Father Fulton said CSS has already been serving clients with pre-packaged groceries and food pantry distributions in Hastings, Lincoln, and Auburn. Volunteers and staff in Lincoln have also been delivering groceries to elderly residents who are shut-in.
“CSS is already starting to see a greater need for monetary assistance for individuals needing rent and utilities help,” he added. “With the number of unemployed in Nebraska increasing daily, the long term effects of COVID-19 will present challenges that will impact us all.”
To follow CSS services, request help, or donate and volunteer see https://www.cssisus.org/covid19/covid19.html.
