Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) – Eastern PA partners with agencies across the Commonwealth of PA to serve those most in need during disaster. LDR – Eastern PA anticipates a number of needs arising that local churches can play a role in meeting.

One opportunity that has just become available is through their partner disaster organization, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR). SBDR is taking the lead in helping to meet gaps related to COVID-19 and hunger.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has asked Southern Baptist Disaster Relief to fill the gaps in crucial wraparound services for senior citizens and others in need at this time. These services include grocery and prescription delivery, food preparation, and chaplaincy services.

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief welcomes the support of Lutheran Disaster Response – Eastern PA to fulfill this request from the CDC. This means your church can become involved in the front lines of this effort.

State and municipal entities will collect information on needs and pass them onto the Disaster Relief incident management team. This team then will reach out to local churches to identify those needs and ask for churches to respond accordingly.

Churches with kitchens can assist with food safety and preparation as needed. Churches without kitchens may assist with delivery of food and other items, under safety protocols.

For the protection of the senior citizens and the volunteer(s), churches will arrange delivery times with the residents, place the deliveries outside their front door, and then will return to their cars and call or text them back to tell them it has arrived. Volunteer chaplains and other church leaders will follow up with a phone call to ensure the recipient has gotten what they need and to otherwise check up on and pray for them.

No commitment is required at this time. However, by providing contact information for your congregation, churches are indicating they are interested in receiving information related to this opportunity and others, should they arise in their communities.

If you are interested in being kept up to date with opportunities related to this effort, please complete this google form.