GLENDALE, Ariz. — It’s hard to ask for help and right now a lot of us need it with empty store shelves, job loss and feelings of desperation amid the COVID-19 public health emergency.
At the same time, there are countless organizations and churches around the Valley working to not only provide hope to people in need but to get them stocked up with the basic necessities.
Vineyard Church North Phoenix recently received a large care shipment of more than 20 pallets of food, cleaning supplies and paper goods. Toilet paper is one of the items in high demand. It all came from Convoy of Hope, a faith-based humanitarian organization, for those in need – for free.
Cars lined the church campus in Glendale Wednesday morning. Volunteers loaded up trunks with food items and supplies people desperately need right now.
“It’s a lot of anxiety and stress,” said Glynis Fetter, “but I just ask God to remove it and it seems to be OK one day at a time.”
Fetter, who’s on social security disability, is feeling thankful.
“Because you go to the store and there’s no bleach, there’s no toilet paper and I’m just feeling really blessed right now,” she said.
“We need food and don’t have any money,” said Bernice Thomas, another Glendale resident waiting in line. “We’re one of them hurting bad, no stuff in the stores, the job, they’re not paying you, all of that.”
Thomas is grateful for this resource, meanwhile hoping the COVID-19 pandemic will soon be over.
“I hope everybody can be cured,” she said. “Hopefully homeless people will get places where they need to go.”
“We have an entire compassion building that’s filled,” said Brian Anderson, senior pastor.
His church helps 250 families every week, but now they’re prepared to serve even more.
“We have 25,000 pounds of stuff that we’re giving away,” he said.
The mission of the church is to stand in the gap and be a source of light and hope in this great time of need.
“It’s a blessing to be able to be a blessing to our community,” said Anderson.
“If you need help, it’s OK to ask,” said Fetter.
They’re doing everything they possibly can to keep the Food Bank open seven days a week during the coronavirus outbreak to make sure everyone’s needs are met.
Vineyard church also partners with Banner Children's Health Mobile each week, providing other services and similar events throughout the year.
