I love hearing from you that you want to help the community during the pandemic. Here are some resources and requests we've collected from community organizations in West Alabama. As you hear of additional volunteer efforts please post them on our Facebook page or share them with the office.
Blessings,
Cathy
Meals on Wheels
The United Way is coordinating weekday deliveries for Meals on Wheels. They need drivers for these weekday shifts. Contact the United Way of West Alabama at 205-345-6640
Research Participation
UAB is tracking symptoms and the spread of COVID-19 across the deep South. To help, check in daily at helpbeatcovid19.org whether you feel sick or not!
The Henne Group (a Market Research company in San Francisco), in collaboration with the Vanderbilt Center for Medicine, Health, and Society, is studying the impact of COVID-19 on LGBTQ communities. Participants must be 18 years of age or older. Participation is voluntary and strictly confidential. Take the 10-15 minute survey here: https://redcap.link/LGBTQcovid19.
Alabama is lagging behind other states in census completion. If you have not already completed your 2020 census, please do so at 2020census.gov.
Letter Writing Campaigns
Each month, the Mission, Peace and Justice Committee identifies an issue around which we can raise our voices together to advocate for change. We believe that a life of faith requires us to stand up for justice.
While you are stuck at home, we invite you to join us in our current letter writing campaign.
Current Campaign:
Our current campaign advocates for the expansion of Medicaid in Alabama.
Masks for Tuscaloosa County Jail
In conjunction with the T-Town Freedom Marchers (Facebook / Instagram), Mike and Emily Altman have organized a drive to deliver disposable face masks to prisoners at the Tuscaloosa County jail. Masks have to be disposable and cannot contain a metal nose piece. Grace is serving as the collection location for donated masks.
For more information about the drive, see the Facebook event, here: https://www.facebook.com/events/458148385180878/
Order masks from the drive's Amazon Wish List: www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3UXBJ4CI0ILV4
Background Information
- Change.org Petition for transparency and more humane policies at the Tuscaloosa County Jail
- Southern Poverty Law Center's suit against Sheriff Ron Abernathy
- News Coverage of Protest and Mask Drive: (1) (2) (3)
Emergency Food Bags
Each emergency bag includes a breakfast, lunch, and dinner for two adults. We distribute these bags to anyone who needs them at any time that the office is open.
Demand for these bags has increased, and we appreciate your help. Click here for information about what goes in an emergency food bag.
Financial Assistance
The Matthew 25 Fund is used at the pastor's discretion to aid community members in need of financial assistance. It helps with things like utility bills, rent, etc.
Pastor Cathy's ability to help those who ask is dependent on donations to this fund. Click here to donate to Grace and designate your gift for Matthew 25.