The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi, a nonprofit, is seeking donations for its efforts to keep children fed while schools are closed because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The foundation connects donors to causes and operates in 11 counties, including Leflore.
It is asking for contributions to its FEED LEFLORE Fund, one of several funds the nonprofit operates in the state.
“The coronavirus is impacting our communities in many ways, and the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi seeks to address one of the most urgent and important needs,” said Tom Pittman, president of the foundation, in a press release. “Our priority is taking care of children. Nutrition is essential to their health during these critical weeks out of school.”
According to Feeding America, a hunger-relief nonprofit, almost 2,520 children in Leflore County, or 30.1%, were classified as “food insecure.”
“We know that figure will increase rapidly due to the economic conditions caused by the coronavirus,” said Pittman.
To make a gift to the FEED LEFLORE Fund, visit the Community Foundation’s website, cfnm.org/donate/.
In the Donation Designation box, type FEED LEFLORE, which will earmark 100% of your gift to providing food for children under 18. Gifts are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
To make a gift of stock or other appreciated asset, call or text 662-719-1732. Gifts may be mailed to CFNM, 315 Losher St., Suite 100, Hernando, MS 38632.
The Community Foundation is partnering with the following organizations in Leflore County to ensure children are fed:
• COVID-19 Greenwood Food, a local food drive organized by Kathryn Lucas
• Community Food Pantry
• Greenwood Community Kitchen
• United Way of Leflore County
• Greenwood Mentoring Group
• Greenwood-Leflore Consolidated School District
The Mississippi Food Network, which is based in Jackson, is also assisting.
“Nonprofits in Leflore are designed to address food distribution. Our goal is to help them ramp up by providing financial support from donors,” said Keith Fulcher, executive vice president for the Community Foundation.
Fulcher, who’s been in contact with nonprofits in Leflore County, said the biggest challenge isn’t acquiring food but paying for it. He said another nonprofit is having trouble getting volunteers to deliver food to families.
The Maddox Foundation, a nonprofit based in Hernando, has approved a $27,000 matching grant for the Community Foundation’s mission.
As of Tuesday afternoon, $7,000 had been donated, Fulcher said.
“What this means to Leflore County residents is that their gift will double allowing for more food to be provided to those in need!” he said.
“I encourage our donors to immediately look for opportunities to support the critical needs of nonprofits by making grants to organizations serving their communities,” said Lillian Morris Hilson, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi.
•Contact Gerard Edic at 581-7239 or gedic@gwcommonwealth.com.
