A quick update and a BIG thank you! 

As you have likely heard, we temporarily shut down the pantry on Tuesday, March 17, after we learned one of our volunteers had tested positive for COVID-19. Here's what we've done since then:

CONTACTED BOULDER COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH

All employees and volunteers who worked the same day as the affected volunteer spoke with Heather Marshall of Boulder County Public Health. Heather was extremely helpful in assessing the situation. Since she had spoken directly with the volunteer who tested positive, Heather was very aware of what we were facing and shared her expert recommendations. Heather did not suggest any extraordinary precautions for those involved.

DID A DEEP CLEAN

Just prior to Thursday's snow storm, the ad hoc clean team went into the pantry and did a deep cleaning, wiping down desks, keyboards, computers, staplers, cabinets, boom boxes, etc. Also cleaned all door knobs, door handles, chair arms, phones, shopping carts, light switches, refrigerator and freezer handles and the railing going to the basement. Boulder County Public Health said the COVID-19 virus does not live for long on surfaces, but we wanted to do our best to reassure our employees, volunteers and clients. Took all of the Clorox disinfecting wipes and gloves involved in the effort off site and safely disposed of everything.

UPDATED OUR VOLUNTEER PROCEDURES

Perhaps the toughest thing we've had to do — except for temporarily not being there for our clients — was to encourage many of our valued long-time volunteers to heed CDC recommendations, take precautionary measures and not volunteer in the short term. We LOVE all of our volunteers and cannot wait to be back to normal one day. We do have a nice number of new volunteers who have stepped up, but we can always use more. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering, please head to hopepantry.org/volunteer and sign up now! And one important reminder, if you are sick and scheduled to volunteer, DO NOT come to the pantry. Once again, we love you and wish you great health!

PLANNING TO RESTART PARKING LOT SHOPPING ON TUESDAY

Barring any surprises, the new parking lot shopping procedures will be back up and running on Tuesday, March 24.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS ON NEW SHOPPING PROCEDURES

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE STILL GREATLY NEEDED

We fully understand the financial difficulties many of our supporters are currently facing, but if you do have the means to make a donation as this time, know that you will be making an incredible difference for our neighbors in need during this historic time.

Still doubling donations up to $15,000

As reminder, an unbelievably generous anonymous donor has pledged to match all online and check donations during this campaign up to a total of $15,000.

CLICK HERE TO HAVE YOUR DONATION DOUBLED RIGHT NOW

When I wrote you one week ago tonight, we had $200 donated to this effort. We are now just under $5,000. To quote Al Michaels, "Do you believe in miracles? YES!"

And if you'd prefer to take advantage of this extremely generous matching opportunity by check, mail your check made out to Harvest of Hope Pantry to Harvest of Hope Pantry, 2960 Valmont Road, Boulder, CO 80301, and please write "Double My Donation" in the memo!

Once again, a BIG thanks to all of our supporters, volunteers and donors. And a very sincere shout out of appreciation to Derek, Ben, Shannon and Andrea for all they do and for taking the needed steps to keep our pantry safe and operational.

Please continue to pray for our pantry, our clients, our volunteers, our employees, our partners, and the world in general. We will get through this and have an incredible new appreciation for everyday life. #normalcyrules

With sincere hope for your good health,
Rick Chadwick
Board Chair