Love INC continues aid despite social distance policy
Love INC of Greater Holmes County volunteers and staff have remained diligent in their willingness to serve others through these trying times. Volunteers Lori Knapp, left, Sherry Artman and director Vicki Conn share with one another before coronavirus was ever in existence. While things have changed with social distancing, Love INC’s programs continue.
In a time when people are being asked to quarantine themselves and practice social distancing, Love In the Name of Christ of Greater Holmes County continues to provide for area families in new and creative ways.
A nonprofit organization that was created to benefit the families of Holmes County in many ways, Love INC has had to adjust and readjust to create a safe means of operation, but it continues to serve the community in many capacities as the coronavirus threat continues.
“We are not going to let this disease stand in the way of us continuing to help those who are in need,” Love INC director Vicki Conn said. “It is more important now than ever for us to be there for people. Love INC will remain open, and if anyone knows of or needs support or help in any way, give us a call. We have volunteers who can pick up and deliver items, and we are here to listen.”
Conn said it is understood people are facing unprecedented circumstances. “We understand that people are going through situations they may have never before experienced. We want to be here for them to share their stories and concerns and needs, and hopefully we can help connect them to organizations that can help them through these tough times,” she said.
Conn said the organization volunteers continue to practice the state orders for social distancing, noting their volunteers continue to adhere to the directive to remain at least 6 feet apart, washing hands and sanitizing well as they continue to answer calls and connect families to helpful resources.
Conn said volunteer runners also will be within the state orders as they will pick up and deliver in ways that will not have them in direct contact with others. Even so, Love INC will continue its mission.
That spirit to serve has seen Love INC continue its services in some new and creative ways.
Conn said instead of meeting in person on Monday, March 30, Love INC conducted its monthly Faith & Finances class online via Zoom.
“Praise God for creative connections,” Conn said. “Participants are doing well and were encouraged to see one another.”
The evening consisted of group members talking about how stockpiling has affected their spending plans, on how money is being saved because of lower gas expenses, as well as lower eating-out expenses.
“I am so proud of everyone as they are making the most during these crazy times we are all experiencing,” Conn said. “It was so good to share with each other the reminder that God is in control.”
Love INC also continues to work closely with area volunteers and churches that are positioned and ready to serve.
The organization also has made a commitment to serving area families by providing food for those who might be struggling to make ends meet because families may have children home from school, making feeding them a real challenge.
“As we get different programs pieced together, we will make sure that the word gets out, through reaching out to other local organizations, our Facebook and website, and any way we can to help people know what programs are being offered,” Conn said.
The group has realized the mental aspect of social distancing and recognizes many elderly and shut-in people might be struggling to get everything they need.
Whether people are lonely or quarantined; unable to retrieve supplies, food, groceries and medications; concerned because their job and financial status has been affected; or simply suffering from heightened anxiety over the recent events, Love INC’s volunteers want to serve people in any way possible within the realm of staying safe.
“Whatever someone might be dealing with, they don’t have to go through this alone,” Conn said. “In spite of practicing social distancing and being quarantined, we are still in this together. We can connect people to life-giving resources.”
Conn said they realize there may be a need for day care for families whose everyday schedules have been turned upside down. She said anyone needing assistance with childcare may call Love INC, and they can help direct families to possible options.
With social distancing in place and many people off of work, Conn said some people have taken advantage of the opportunity to volunteer, and that has been a godsend.
“Our volunteers have been amazing,” Conn said. “We are all making the best of the situation, but we have seen a group of new volunteers commit to serving through this time. We have connected with some new churches, and really, this is what the church is meant to be, a place where hope and peace is found through Christ and the church’s people serving others.”
Conn said any church that might have an idea or would like to brainstorm on ways to serve in this time is welcome to call and discuss options. She added that Love INC is here for everyone because they recognize struggles and issues arise daily as people try to deal with the situation at hand.