The organization helps clients through three programs: a food pantry, financial assistance and adopt a family during the holiday season, Olson said.
She said that during the coronavirus pandemic, Enon Emergency Relief has not closed. Instead, they have adjusted their procedures.
At the food pantry, located at 105 N. Scott Street in Enon, clients no longer come inside the building to choose items, Olson explained. When a client arrives, a volunteer, wearing a mask and gloves, goes outside to the client’s car to ask for their name, family size and special requests. Then another volunteer collects the items needed and loads the items into the car.
This new pickup procedure allowed the organization to stay open - even when they lost half of their volunteers because they were a part of the “at-risk” groups for COVID-19, Olson said.
The organization has not seen an increased need for financial assistance during the pandemic, but they have seen more new clients needing assistance through the food pantry, Olson said.
The food pantry assists between 50 and 75 clients monthly, Olson said, by providing non-perishable and perishable food items and hygiene products between 2:30 and 5 p.m. on Mondays.
“Without Second Harvest Food Bank, the support of the local community and our volunteers we could not be successful in our mission,” Olson said.
She added that members of several local churches have continued to help Enon Emergency Relief meet their needs - even when their churches were closed.
“That’s how dedicated the people in our community are,” Olson said.
Enon Emergency Relief said that they are expecting the need for assistance to increase in the fall and winter as fresh produce becomes limited and the holiday season begins.
“We’re here to help them with their needs and to love them,” Olson said.
Items needed in their food pantry include toothbrushes, jelly, large/family size cans of chicken or beef soup, sugar, pork and beans, chocolate/vanilla pudding and jello, according to a post on the organization’s Facebook page.
Those interested in donating can call 937-864-5555 or send donations to P.O. Box 121, Enon, OH 45323.
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