Here are some local organizations that need your help.  We want you to be aware of their needs, both monetary and in terms of physical volunteers,  but please consider those in your household who are at greater risk from COVID19 and act accordingly.  Many of these needs can be acted on right from the safety of your home if you need to take strict precautions because of your own health or the health of someone in your home.

Assisting Abingdon Elementary families
The Abingdon Elementary PTA is trying to help their families in need. One of Trinity's members is part of that community and MSM has approved sharing the following request so we can help our neighbors in need.

Many of our families have ongoing needs, like diapers and wipes. Others have specific, one-time needs, like a car seat or a pair of children's shoes. Our school social workers have conferred with families and collaborated with PTA to create an Amazon Wishlist to fulfil families' needs during the pandemic. Please follow the link to the wishlist to help a family (the wishlist will be updated with additional needs.)

Opportunity to provide groceries to immigrant asylum seekers
Trinity has partnered with Restoration Anglican Church to provide 5-10 bags of groceries for Restoration Immigration Legal Aid (RILA). MSM has supported this organization that assists immigrant asylum-seekers, most of whom do not qualify for public assistance and are in tenuous employment situations. Please sign up to provide one large grocery bag with enough food for a family of four for 2-3 days or sign up to bring eggs and cheese on June 1st at Restoration Anglican church parking lot(1815 N. Quincy St.) from 9-10am.   Examples of items include: Bags of rice, bags of beans, pasta, onions, bread, cereal, tortillas, canned fruits and vegetables, and produce that doesn't have to be refrigerated e.g., potatoes, sweet potatoes, apples, oranges, garlic. Questions? Please contact Priscilla or any MSM member. Thank you for considering this chance to serve our neighbors!

New! Million Mask Challenge  provides face masks to first responders, healthcare workers and others on the front lines of the Covid-19 crisis in our community. They are in great need of volunteers to sew, drive, and provide other support. “Sew Ready Kits” make it easy to participate. Go to their website to learn how you can get involved. You can also to to https://www.gofundme.com/f/million-mask-challenge to donate. 

AFAC: Arlington Food Assistance Center  Since 1988, the Arlington Food Assistance Center remains dedicated to its simple but critical mission of obtaining and distributing groceries, directly and free of charge, to people living in Arlington, VA, who cannot afford to purchase enough food to meet their basic needs.  AFAC is still based on referrals but are moving to 6 month eligibility to lessen paperwork and increase service.

Pastor Judith was on a video call with AFAC this week.  They outlined the extraordinary precautions they are taking to keep the volunteers safe.  For example, marking out spaces on the floor that are 6 feet apart, wiping down the workspaces every hour. They also have expanded into the warehouse next door for more packing space so people can be physically distanced.  You can donate money or if you or housemates are not at risk, time, at their website.  Please note, do not drop off donations at Trinity. www.afac.org 

New Hope Housing  Since 1978 New Hope Housing has been providing a comprehensive, innovative array of services to homeless families and single adults. New Hope Housing is the oldest and largest provider of shelter beds in northern Virginia.  They are accepting donations and also items on their Amazon wish list. (http://a.co/ce6ElxS).   The donations that were given to Trinity as part of the Shoebox project have been donated to New Hope Housing.

THRIVE  Arlington Thrive is the only organization in Arlington County, Virginia that provides same-day, emergency financial assistance to County residents who experience sudden financial crisis such as temporary unemployment or illness. This is where people can get rent assistance.  https://arlingtonthrive.org/donate/

Arlington Free Clinic  Arlington Free Clinic provides free, high-quality healthcare to low-income, uninsured Arlington County adults through the generosity of donors and volunteers.  You can donate monetarily here:

https://www.arlingtonfreeclinic.org/

The Food Bank at Our Lady Queen of Peace  does not require referrals and have seen a sharp rise in needs. This is where a family that does not have a social worker through DHS  can get food assistance. This will help families who have immediate needs while they are going through the DHS process.  Click here to donate monetarily.

Meals on Wheels Has transitioned to weekly deliveries with more food.  Thankfully right now there are plenty of volunteers for Meals on Wheels. We will let you know if that changes.  Please pray for our Meals on Wheels volunteers and for the volunteers and staff in all of these organizations who are serving our neighbors in need.

Third Saturdays at Mt. Olivet Community Assistance Program

Due to the growing concerns about the spread of COVID-19 and the new restrictions on public gatherings, it is with heavy hearts that we are cancelling Mount Olivet's Community Assistance ministry scheduled for Saturday, March 21. We have decided to partner with the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) and the Arlington Street People's Assistance Network (ASPAN) to support their efforts in our community. We have been in touch with both organizations and they are thrilled to receive our support. They have been able to put procedures in place to screen their volunteers, effectively clean their facilities and enforce proper social distancing measures to keep their guests and volunteers safe.