MONTE VISTA - These are tough times and COVID-19 is making everyone’s lives more difficult. “We’re in this together,” has quickly become a motto during this time, and the community of Monte Vista has been demonstrating this.
Many of the churches in the area have set up grocery programs for the elderly and at risk members of their congregations and community. With younger people volunteering to go and get their groceries so they can avoid potential exposure at the store. Calvary Baptist is one of the churches trying to help out. Calvary Baptist Pastor Bob Galey explained that if someone elderly is afraid to go out, their volunteers will go shopping for them. “All they need to do is leave a list, bag, and check for what they think their groceries will cost on their doorknob. We’ll come and get the bag and go to the store for you and then deliver your groceries to the front step,” said Galey.
If you are someone who needs help getting your groceries, or you would like to volunteer to help, you can contact Galey by calling Calvary Baptist at (719) 852-5090. Their office is operating Monday - Thursday 9 a.m.- noon. Those who wish to volunteer must be under 60 and able to drive.
With the shutdowns due to the coronavirus many people have lost their jobs and are struggling just to make ends meet. The Monte Vista Emergency Food Bank is open during this time. In a statement recently posted on Facebook they stated:
“If you live in Rio Grande County and need emergency food we can help! We will be operating under our normal hours of Tuesdays and Fridays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for now. Please keep in mind that we run in connection with the Alamosa Food Bank and you are only allowed one visit per month at either food bank. We realize that this is a trying time, but we serve a lot people in Rio Grande County and certainly don’t want to run out of food! Please bring current ID and date of birth for everyone in your household. If you are unable to pick up your own food, please send a note and your ID with someone to get your food for you.”
The Food bank is doing their best to keep everyone safe and are following proper social distancing. They are also sanitizing carts, writing utensils, wearing gloves, and taking people’s information from outside their front door. They also ask that those coming to the food bank line up in the grassy area in front of the building and maintain at least 6 feet apart from everyone waiting in line. If the grassy area in the front is full, they ask that you remain in your vehicle until the area has cleared out.
The food bank is also in need of food donations. If you need information of items needed or drop off information you are asked to contact Jennifer Becker at jbeckermvfoodbank@gmail.com.
