Kiwanis and Diakonia working together to help those facing food insecurity
OCEAN CITY, Md. – A local group is looking to make a difference in Worcester County, helping homeless shelter Diakonia.
The Greater Ocean Pines/Ocean City Kiwanis chapter does deliveries to the shelter/food pantry on Mondays and Fridays. Jug Brown is one of the volunteers and said the cause is extremely important.
“They’ve given me the opportunity to drive on Mondays to pick up here at Food Lion and go to Diakonia and deliver the food.”
Volunteers from Kiwanis – focus on their mission – which is to serve and deliver vital community needs. Brown moved to Worcester County not too long ago, and tells WMDT that helping Diakonia helps those who face extreme food insecurity.
“I moved to Ocean Pines about 2 years ago. I owned a home here for a couple of years, but my plan was to retire and move to my forever home in Ocean Pines.”
Brown takes part in taking the food boxes from the local grocery, and transports them to Diakonia, and has been doing so for 60 weeks. Tosh Zeller is the Food Pantry Coordinator for the Diakonia Organization, she said the delivery is essential.
“Drop off Food Lion produce which we use, and it’s very important for us.”
Kiwanis doesn’t just deliver produce like Carrots, Lettuce, and Fruits. They are actively helping the community, and diversifying the food donated to Diakonia. Zeller explains more.
“Kiwanis helps us out every Monday and Friday, picking up WaWa sandwiches, Chick Fil A sandwiches, and they get Panera Bread.”
The food is then taken and weighed before Diakonia officials place it in the pantry or freezer,
Brown and Zeller participate in giving back in the name of volunteerism. They both remain dedicated in helping the community’s needs, and helping those who need it.
Brown calling for everyone to get involved in the volunteer process.
“I’m very fortunate, my house is paid for, and its just an opportunity to give something back. And I think we all should do that.”
