Here at NEEDS, we’re always looking for ways to better serve our clients – from offering wider choice in the pantry to upgrading to a more efficient records system. We’re especially excited about our most recent improvement: evening hours!
For the past several years, the NEEDS pantry has been open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00-1:00. While this schedule works well for many clients, it’s not ideal for potential clients who work during the day. All too often, individuals and families in our community work hard yet struggle to make ends meet. In order to support more of these families, the NEEDS pantry is now offering appointments on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, from 5:30-7:30 in the evening. Clients who are unable to visit the pantry during the day can simply call the main desk (513-891-0850) to schedule an evening appointment.
Expanding the pantry hours is just one way that NEEDS is pursuing our mission of sharing resources with our community. Thank you to the volunteers who make evening operations possible!
During the last month, NEEDS’ largest impact has been through a very successful school supply drive. Of course, our volunteers are still busy serving clients who visit the food pantry, as well as providing emergency financial assistance.
In August, the NEEDS pantry served 75 families – for a total of almost 300 people!
NEEDS also distributed $1720 between six families in need of emergency assistance. These funds were used to cover rent, energy and water bills, and medical expenses.
As we move into September, NEEDS volunteers will continue working hard to support our clients. Stay tuned for an update on our new evening hours!
Earlier this summer, NEEDS kicked off our annual school supply drive. Whether students are attending class in person or online, this school year is sure to be challenging – and we are thrilled to be able to help families in need!
So far, NEEDS has collected:
– $1990 in gift cards – $1600 in checks – 63 full backpacks donated by Montgomery Community Church – Erasers and scissors donated by St. Paul United Methodist Church – 350 disposable masks, thanks to a donor who specified “masks” on their check – 23 sets of earbuds purchased by St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church
Gift cards, funds, and supplies have been distributed to the Deer Park, Princeton, Sycamore, and Madeira schools according to need. Since this year’s drive has focused on financial donations, school officials are able to purchase exactly what their students need – from traditional supplies, like notebooks and calculators, to COVID safety supplies and resources for virtual learning. NEEDS is so grateful to the individuals and churches who have contributed!
If you would like to help, it’s not too late! NEEDS will continue to accept donations for the school supply drive through the end of September.
Simply mail a check (with “school supplies” in the memo line) to our address below. Gift cards for Kroger, Meijer, Walmart, Target, Staples, and Amazon are also welcome.
You can also drop off your check or gift cards any time NEEDS is open in August and September (Tuesday and Thursdays 9 am to 1 pm) at Kenwood Baptist Church.
The NEEDS drive-up pantry has been busy! During the month of July, pantry volunteers served 76 families – for a total of 311 individuals!
NEEDS has also resumed offering emergency financial assistance. Over the past month, we have distributed $2,100 – helping seven families to pay rent and utility bills.
Finally, the NEEDS school supply drive kicked off in July and will continue through August. We are excited for this opportunity to provide crucial supplies to local students. For more details, check out our blog post: https://cincyneeds.org/2020/07/15/help-needs-provide-school-supplies/.
