We are currently focusing all our efforts on ensuring the continuity of our work. The Open Door works with our county’s most vulnerable people. The clients we serve will be significantly impacted by the economic realities of this crisis. Our top priority is to work to make sure food continues to be available to those in need. We will remain flexible and adaptive.
How you can support The Open Door through COVID-19:
Make a financial donation. Monetary gifts give us the flexibility and agility to respond appropriately, day by day, as the situation evolves. If you are able to give, monetary donations go a long way.
Donate NowDonate non-perishable food items. We are in serious need of pasta, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, vegetable oil, toilet paper and fruit juice. Please consider donating these nonperishable food items. Click here for more information on where to drop off donations.
Volunteer. If you are healthy please consider volunteering. As we move to more pre-packing of items for clients, the labor needs increase.
If we have willing volunteers, we will be able to provide meals to children once schools close. We do have a plan in place to use our Mobile Lunchbox Model to distribute meals 5 days a week in multiple low-income communities. We will need volunteers to go out in teams of two five days a week. Click here and check “Mobile Pantry Driver” as your area of interest. We will contact you with more information.
Be fexible. We have modified our distributions in every way possible to limit risk of exposure. We are monitoring the situation on a daily basis and making changes as quickly as we can think of them. Know that whether volunteering or supporting us, things will change and probably often.
The gravity of this situation is not lost on our team. We know that we have to do all we can to both protect everyone involved, yet ensure folks have food when they need it. With your help we will keep our operations going for as long as it is safe to do so.
Governor’s Shelter-in-place order:
We are grateful for the inclusion of Food Shelves on the list of essential services who can be open during this time. Volunteers and Staff will be allowed to continue supporting our community. In light of the order, The Open Door will continue operation under our new modified operations that encourage social distancing and minimize interpersonal interactions.
Click here for more information on the ‘shelter-in-place’ order.
COVID-19 information resources:
- MN. Department of Health – COVID-19 Minnesota updates and recommendations
- World Health Organization (WHO) – COVID-19 advice for the public
- CDC Foundation – COVID-19 summary
- CDC Foundation – Keep yourself and family safe during COVID-19
- The Open Door Client FAQs
- The Open Door Volunteer FAQs