| Our Community Services Pantry Receives
Recognition
Partners, the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Network Newsletter, included an article in its
Summer 1999 issue recognizing our efforts to help the less fortunate members of our
community. That article is reprinted here along with a few pictures of some of the
volunteers hard at work. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to the success of
this vital outreach to our neighbors throughout the local area.
Evelyn Sheffer's years of experience as a
hospital volunteer director are clearly reflected in her food pantry at the Staunton
Seventh-day Adventist Church. The pantry is well organized and manned by
enthusiastic volunteers. It has grown rapidly since it opened two years ago.
The pantry is conveniently located on the ground floor of the modern church
building. An adjacent parking lot provides easy access for clients. Pete
Sheffer, Evelyn's cabinetmaker husband, designed and built an efficient shelving system
for the food. Pete and Betty Carter serve with Evelyn as co-directors.
The church congregation has given the pantry strong support. Pantry activities are
regularly reported in the church bulletin. A very active clothes closet is operated
in conjunction with the pantry.
In 1998, 1039 needy people were served. Some clients need temporary help between
jobs, but most come from the ranks of the working poor. The pantry works closely
with a local fire department and provides emergency food after resedential fires.
"Our budget is very limited," said Evelyn. "If it were not for the
Food Bank, our program could not survive. Everybody at the Food Bank is so
helpful." An ongoing inventory system enables the pantry to always know what is
in stock and what items they need to pick up at the Food Bank.
Each food recipient goes through a formal screening program. Those who require long
term supplemental assistance are fully reevaluated annually. At each visit,
volunteers inquire about changes in the client's status. Clients with children or health
problems are checked for special dietary needs.
Each food recipient is issued a special identification card once they qualify. The
rules are strict: no card - no food. Other area pantries are regularly consulted to
detect anyone who may be abusing the system by "double dipping."
Volunteers pack food boxes early each Tuesday morning. Distribution takes place
between eleven and noon. Rain or shine, there is always a grateful crowd on hand.
One regular client is an elderly black man who arrives on his only transportation - an old
bicycle. Pantry volunteers fill bags tied to the bicycle frame with food and send
him on his way.
"This program is built around kindness and honesty," said Evelyn. "We
talk seriously with our clients about their work ethic, health and family problems, and
their future prospects. Many come from dysfunctional families, and they require a
lot of understanding. Our volunteers are selected for their warmth, caring, and
patience. We don't judge - we try to hug and help. Everyone who comes here
leaves knowing that we sincerely care about them."
"While we know that we will always have the poor with us, we are encouraged to see
welfare reform working," Evelyn noted. "Some of our former clients
received aptitude testing and vocational training and were placed in jobs. It is
wonderful to witness these people gaining self-sufficiency."
The Staunton Seventh-day Adventist food pantry provides much more than food. Their
volunteers deliver a generous serving of love, good advice, and spiritual
encouragement. They provide a model for effective compassion.Webmaster's Note: Since this article was written, Evelyn Sheffer has
passed away. Even though she is now asleep in Jesus, she has not been forgotten. I think
that I can speak for our entire church family when I say Evelyn, you are greatly
missed.
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Would your family be prepared if a disaster struck tomorrow?
Disasters happen anytime and anywhere. And when disaster strikes, you may not have
much time to respond. A highway spill or hazardous material could mean evacuation. A
winter storm could confine your family at home. An earthquake, flood, tornado, or any
other disaster could cut water, electricity, and telephones-for days. After a
disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on the scene, but they cannot reach
everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it may take days. Would your family
be prepared to cope with the emergency until help arrives? The Emergency
Preparedness Checklist and the Disaster Supplies Kit found on this page were developed by
the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross. I hope they
will assist you in making preparations to protect your family during disasters both large
and small.
Emergency
Preparedness Checklist
The next time disaster strikes, you may not have much time to act.
Prepare now for a sudden emergency. Learn how to protect yourself and cope with disaster
by planning ahead. This checklist will help you get started. Discuss these ideas with your
family, then prepare an emergency plan. Post the plan where everyone will see it--on the
refrigerator or bulletin board. For additional information about how to prepare for
hazards in your community, contact your local emergency management or civil defense office
and your American Red Cross chapter.
1. Call Your Emergency Management Office or American Red Cross Chapter
Find out which disasters could occur in your area.
Ask how to prepare for each disaster.
Ask how you would be warned of an emergency.
Learn your community's evacuation routes.
Ask about special assistance for elderly or disabled persons.
Also...
Ask your workplace about emergency plans.
Learn about emergency plans for your children's school or day care center.
2. Create an Emergency Plan
Meet with household members. Discuss with children the dangers of fire, severe weather,
earthquakes, and other emergencies.
Discuss how to respond to each disaster that could occur.
Discuss what to do about power outages and personal injuries.
Draw a floor plan of your home. Mark two escape routes from each room.
Learn how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity at main switches.
Post emergency telephone numbers near telephones.
Teach children how and when to call 911, police, and fire.
Instruct household members to turn on the radio for emergency information.
Pick one out-of-state and one local friend or relative for family members to call if
separated by disaster (it is often easier to call out-of-state than within the affected
area).
Teach children how to make long distance telephone calls.
Pick two meeting places. A place near your home in case of a fire and a place outside your
neighborhood in case you cannot return home after a disaster.
Take a Basic First Aid and CPR Class.
Keep family records in a water-and fire-proof container.
3. Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit
Assemble supplies you might need in an evacuation. Store them in an easy-to-carry
container, such as a backpack or duffle bag.
Include:
A supply of water (one gallon per person per day). Store water in sealed, unbreakable
containers. Identify the storage date and replace every six months.
A supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food and a non-electric can opener.
A change of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes.
Blankets or sleeping bags.
A first aid kit and prescription medications.
An extra pair of glasses.
A battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.
Credit cards and cash.
An extra set of car keys.
A list of family physicians.
A list of important family information; the style and serial number of medical devices,
such as pacemakers.
Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
4. Prepare an Emergency Car Kit
Include:
Battery powered radio and extra batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries
Blanket
Booster cables
Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type)
First aid kit and manual
Bottled water and non-perishable high energy foods, such as granola bars, raisins and
peanut butter.
Maps
Shovel
Tire repair kit and pump
Flares
5. Create a Home Escape Plan
In a fire or other emergency, you may need to evacuate your house, apartment, or mobile
home on a moment's notice. You should be ready to get out fast.
Develop an escape plan by drawing a floor plan of your residence. Using a black or blue
pen, show the location of doors, windows, stairways, and large furniture. Indicate the
location of emergency supplies (Disaster Supplies Kit), fire extinguishers, smoke
detectors, collapsible ladders, first aid kits, and utility shut off points. Next, use a
colored pen to draw a broken line charting at least two escape routes from each room.
Finally, mark a place outside of the home where household members should meet in case of
fire. Be sure to include important points outside, such as garages, patios, stairways,
elevators, driveways, and porches. If your home has more than two floors, use an
additional sheet of paper. Practice emergency evacuation drills with all household members
at least two times each year.
If You Need to Evacuate your home. . .
Listen to a battery-powered radio for the location of emergency shelters.
Follow instructions of local officials.
Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
Take your Disaster Supplies Kit.
Lock your home.
Use travel routes specified by local officials.
If you are sure you have time. . .
Shut off water, gas, and electricity, if instructed to do so.
Let others know when you left and where you are going.
Make arrangements for pets. Animals are not be allowed in public shelters.
Your family will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes.
One way to prepare is by assembling a Disaster Supplies Kit. Once disaster hits, you won't
have time to shop or search for supplies. But if you've gathered supplies in advance, your
family can endure an evacuation or home confinement. Store your kit in a convenient
place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the Disaster Supply Kit in
the trunk of your car. Keep items in airtight plastic bags. Change your stored water
supply every six months so it stays fresh. Replace your stored food every six months.
Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update
clothes, etc.
Prepare Your Kit
Review the checklist below.
Gather the supplies that are listed. You may need them if your family is confined at home.
Place the supplies you'd most likely need for an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container.
These supplies are listed with an asterisk (*). Possible Containers Include-
A large, covered trash container,
A camping backpack,
A duffle bag.
There are six basics you should stock for your home: water, food, first aid supplies,
clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items. Keep the items that
you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container--suggested
items are marked with an asterisk(*).
Water
Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that
will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person
needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense
physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will
need more.
Store one gallon of water per person per day.
Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person (two quarts for drinking, two quarts
for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation).*
Food
Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no
refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack
a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. *Include a selection
of the following foods: Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables.
First Aid Kit
Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
Assorted sizes of safety pins
Cleansing agent/soap
Latex gloves (2 pairs)
Sunscreen
2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
Triangular bandages (3)
Non-prescription drugs:
Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
Anti-diarrhea medication
Antacid (for stomach upset)
Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting )
Laxative
Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)
2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
Scissors
Tweezers
Needle
Moistened towelettes
Antiseptic
Thermometer
Tongue blades (2)
Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Tools and Supplies
Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils*
Emergency preparedness manual*
Battery-operated radio and extra batteries*
Flashlight and extra batteries*
Cash or traveler's checks, change*
Non-electric can opener, utility knife*
Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type
Tube tent
Pliers
Tape
Compass
Matches in a waterproof container
Aluminum foil
Plastic storage containers
Signal flare
Paper, pencil
Needles, thread
Medicine dropper
Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
Whistle
Plastic sheeting
Map of the area (for locating shelters)
Sanitation
Toilet paper, towelettes*
Soap, liquid detergent*
Feminine supplies*
Personal hygiene items*
Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
Plastic bucket with tight lid
Disinfectant
Household chlorine bleach
Clothing and Bedding
Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.
Sturdy shoes or work boots*
Rain gear*
Blankets or sleeping bags*
Hat and gloves
Thermal underwear
Sunglasses
Special Items
Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled
persons
For Baby*
Formula
Diapers
Bottles
Powdered milk
Medications
For Adults*
Heart and high blood pressure medication
Insulin
Prescription drugs
Denture needs
Contact lenses and supplies
Extra eye glasses
Important Family Documents
Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container:
Will, insurance policies, contracts deeds, stocks and bonds
Passports, social security cards, immunization records
Bank account numbers
Credit card account numbers and companies
Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
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