“I lost my job because of the pandemic and it has been difficult. My resources are very limited but because of the food we have been able to make it through. Thank you!”

“I received a phone call asking how we were and if food was needed. And they said the food was going to be delivered! My children were very happy when we received the food. The food has helped us so much, and I’m very grateful to you all for the work you are doing. May God bless you.”

“I lost my job because of the pandemic and it has been difficult. My resources are very limited but because of the food we have been able to make it through. Thank you!”

These comments are from real people.

Real people served by Westside community partner, Avenue of Life.

People helped, in part, by YOUR generosity this past year.

It’s true…That extra jar of peanut butter or can of pinto beans may not seem like a lot, but for someone else, it’s a lifeline that helps provide one more meal that allows them to use their resources to pay for other housing needs.

Desiree Monize, Executive Director of Avenue of Life says food donations have a domino effect on everything else.

“Every bag of food that we do not have to buy means we can help stabilize a family with financial resources for housing or keeping their lights on,” she said.

In 2020, Avenue of Life helped nearly 1,000 families with direct financial aid and continues to help more than 2,000 families with on-going case management, essential items and care. Unfortunately, the need continues to increase. Every week, Avenue of Life fields between 20-30 NEW phone calls from people seeking help with housing, utility assistance and other needs.

Avenue of Life helps fill a critical need for minority and low-income communities which have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. According to the United Way of Greater Kansas City, one out of every five Wyandotte County residents lives at or below the federal poverty level. Complicating matters is the K-shaped economic recovery, which is anticipated to leave many low-wage minority residents behind. While much has been done, much more remains.

So, how can you help?

As the saying goes, many hands make work light.

January 24-31 plan to participate in Westside’s ONE BAG campaign. This is an opportunity for our family to wrap our arms around families served by Avenue of Life. Think of it as one big community shopping trip.

Here’s how it works.

· On Sunday, January 24, stop by the Connection Center and pick up a shopping bag with a list of needed grocery and essential items.

· Attending online? Download a shopping list HERE, and start shopping!

· Fill the bag with the requested items and return it to Westside (Lenexa or Speedway locations) on Sunday, January 31!

· We’ll load the truck and deliver the entire load to Avenue of Life and they’ll make sure it gets to those who need it most.

We’ve said it before, but Westside family…your generosity makes this possible!