Community Services League increases efforts to help families in need

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — The Community Services League team is staying busy, increasing their efforts to families who need it most during this difficult time.

"The reality is in our community, there's always a segment of the population that struggles. Those are people that still need support," CSL President Doug Cowan said. "What we are seeing, though, is really just a surge of people that have lost their jobs completely, or they've had a significant decrease in hours and they are a little panicked, trying to figure out how to make ends meet."

The agency currently has nine food pantries open, and CSL is asking for the public's help as it tries to fill the growing need of items.

"Imagine if you are a family that is really hard-pressed to access basic resources or wonder if you have enough food or things like that. That's when things can really become volatile in a family," Cowan said. "What we are really asking for is three things: for people to consider donating personal hygiene items, food items and/or making a monetary contribution."

CSL is also asking for food items for children.

"We are thinking peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, granola bars, cheese sticks, meat sticks, yogurts, milk, things like that for kids," Cowan said. " ... The box of food is more than just food. It's a lifeline for a family."

At each of the pantries, CSL now has a drive-thru model, helping clients and volunteers stay safe and healthy while distancing themselves.

One new client, Bill Kendrick, says he's thankful after falling on hard times because of COVID-19 hurting his income.

"It’s hard getting trips right now, a school cab. I drive kids to and from school and there’s no school," Kendrick said. "Even though they have spring break now, next week is canceled and I’m just trying to decide how to make ends meet. I’m very limited on my income, and like I said, I have very little family so this is going to go a long way for me."

Cowan says it's been incredible to see the community step in to help those in need.

"As always, community response is critical. It's been inspiring to see the stories that have come out of people that have banded together to donate items or money," he said.

To donate or if your family is in need, click here.