From: Delores Smith <dsmith66604@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, December 14, 2020 4:18 PM
To: mcre@cox.net
Subject: Harvesters use of Gordman's Parking Lot.
Central Topeka TurnAround Team
Delores Smith
785-234-2883
Hi Henry,
Regarding our conversation today.
For the past 12 years, The Central Topeka TurnAround
TYeam and Topeka Bible Church have held a free fresh food distribution at
the Topeka Convention center, now Stormont Vail Events Center.
Harvesters Community Food Network provides our food pantry with
30-40 thousand lbs. of fresh vegs., fruit, dairy products, bread/bakery
products, and some frozen meat. This is delivered by two
semi-trucks. The drivers unload and I set up for a two-line
delivery. Volunteers help separate food to distribute to the vehicle.
Vehicles are counted when we start as is the food type. This keeps us
from running out of food.
Our date is always the second Tuesday of the
month. Distribution starts at 9:00 a.m. Everyone, including
me, volunteer. We usually have about 50 volunteers who help.
As I explained, IThe TurnAround Team has had a contract with
the management company since we began. We also have a one million dollar
liability policy which covers Shawnee County, The City of Topeka, The
management company, CentralTopeka TurnAround Team (a 5013C).
As the distress of income and illness has come to us we have
seen a marked increase in need. We distribute by vehicle and
household. usually about 400 vehicles ad 600 households. This means
we serve about 2,000-2500 children, adults, and seniors.
Due to the Covid-19 situation, the County now required and
has canceled our agreement from January 2021 to May 31st., 2021. The purpose
will be for the medical persons to use the whole facility for the distribution
of vaccines
It is a great need as you know, however, food is needed by
many families .and their need is great.
I am asking you to contact the persons who control Gordman's
parking lot to make it available to us on the seconds Tuesday of the month from
January to May. We will place the liability insurance to cover it.
Your help with this will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Delores Smith
