Calvary’s Mission food pantry at the forefront of COVID-19 pandemic
By Tangerine Clarke
Long lines stretching for
blocks with residents wearing
surgical masks and carrying
shopping carts, have become
overwhelming outside Calvary’s
Mission Food pantry at
102-16 89th Ave., Richmond
Hill, Queens, due the coronavirus
pandemic, that has left
families with no other choice
but to join the food lines for
weekly nutrition.
Last Saturday, Tony Singh,
a Guyanese-American entrepreneur
and humanitarian,
who founded the pantry over
two decades ago, was happy
to serve 1200, mostly immigrants,
who lined-up, early
morning to receive sacks of
potatoes, onions, carrots, cabbage,
sandwiches, milk, hamburger
patties, cheese, apples,
and baby formula, among other
food items, to feed a family for
one week.
Over the years, the line has
grown from 500, and today,
the number has climbed exponentially,
due to the unprecedented
COVID-19 pandemic,
causing Singh to up, the intake
of food, thanks to partners like
the New York Food Bank, City
Harvest, Target, Starbucks,
and other donors, who have
helped the pantry to meet target
numbers.
Singh says because of the
outpouring of families on a
weekly basis, a ticket system
had to be put in place with
time-slots, starting at 8:30 am
until 11 am, to make sure everyone
Caribbean L 8 ife, November 6-12, 2020
leaves with a guarantee,
shopping cart of food worth
approximately $50.
“It’s a blessing to give, and
especially when you are a part
of an organization that is helping
people in need. Over the
years, I have met so many people
who reach out to me when
they need anything special,”
said Singh who arrives at the
pantry promptly at 4 am to
accept deliveries every Saturday.
He thanked Pastor Kemraj
and the church board for allowing
the pantry to operate from
its facilities. “We collaborate
with church members,” he said,
thanking volunteers and others
who faithfully show up to pack
hampers, serve, cleanup and
keep the overall operation running
smoothly.
The pantry expects a larger
turnout at its annual, Saturday
before Thanksgiving giveaway
Third from left, front row, standing, is wife, Sherell Singh, Tony Singh, and the many volunteers
who distributed hundreds of pounds of food to residents who joined an early morning
line at Calvary’s Mission Food pantry in Richmond Hill, Queens. Photo by Tangerine Clarke
of hampers, that will include
turkey, chicken, and ham, with
all of the trimmings of vegetables,
fruits and protein, for a
hearty traditional meal.
Singh is reaching out to anyone
in need of food, to visit the
pantry, where all CDC guidelines
of wearing a mask and
standing six feet apart, are followed.
He said he was thankful
for all of the volunteers who
were dedicated to the cause of
helping to feed those in need
including Kevin Sookdeo, Lennox,
Rudy, Roger, Mr. Bill.
Prominent Guyanese-American
fashion designer and entrepreneur,
Roger Gary, who has
volunteered at the panty for the
past 15 years, was on Saturday,
busy directing the long lines at
the intersection of 89th Avenue,
leading up to the pantry.
He explained that due to the
pandemic, many people were
out of jobs. “We have been
providing food, to sometimes
1500 clients. It is overwhelming,”
said Gary, who is concerned
for the neighborhood
that is overrun with the weekly
disturbances of deliveries, and
the bustle of people with shopping
carts, and mindful that
there is order, and limited noise
nuances during the hours of
distribution.
During the distribution, a
woman was overheard saying
God is good, he provides for us.
A clear indication of how grateful
the community is for the
weekly nourishment.
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