Monthly Archives: November 2020

INTERFAITH ANNOUNCES INCREASED NEED FOR FOOD, TOYS AND GIFT CARDS TO HELP NEIGHBORS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

THE WOODLANDS (November 19, 2020) – Interfaith of The Woodlands, serving the human needs of South Montgomery County since 1973, has seen record increases in food distribution since the global pandemic hit our county in mid-March. Since that time, Interfaith has seen a 100% increase in all programs including food pantry programs and crisis assistance. The organization began Holiday GIVING program registrations for both families and Seniors, and anticipates serving over 7,000 individuals including children and senior adults in the coming weeks.

Year-to-date, Interfaith has served 23.114 individuals, over 115,570 meals by weekly curbside distribution and provided financial assistance to 17,961 individuals. Additionally, Interfaith has delivered groceries and provided weekly wellness calls to 2,965 local Seniors.

Interfaith’s annual Holiday GIVING program will include Food Assistance, Holiday Toy Drive and Gifts for Seniors to provide families, children and Seniors with gifts and food to make their Holiday season special.

“The needs are great every year, but this year, we continue to see more families lacking the basic needs of food, shelter and clothing as the global pandemic continues to provide financial uncertainty for so many of our neighbors who were already struggling,” said Missy Herndon, President and CEO, Interfaith of The Woodlands. “With the continued help and support of our community, we can maintain our core value of never saying no and helping bring holiday cheer to every person who requests help this holiday season.”

Interfaith Family Services provides holiday gifts to families through their Holiday Toy Drive and Distribution, a program in which the community comes together to donate new toys and gift cards for children and teens. Families requesting assistance in Interfaith’s service area will be able to choose gifts for their children from a variety of donated toys. This year, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, gifts will be collected and distributed by appointment at the South County Community Center, December 7 – 18. This is a wonderful opportunity for families in need to ensure their children will receive gifts this holiday season. Businesses or organizations interested in holding a toy or gift card drive, contact Sarah Thomas, sthomas@woodlandsinterfaith.org, for help facilitating the collection and drop off of these items. Gifts and gift cards are due to Interfaith by 12:00 pm on Friday, December 4th. Another option this year is to shop the Interfaith Amazon Wish List, an easy way to donate: bit.ly/InterfaithHolidayToyDrive and gifts are shipped directly to Interfaith.

Interfaith Senior Services provides holiday gifts for senior adults, 62 and older though the Gifts for Seniors Program. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gifts for Seniors holiday gift cards will be mailed to ensure safety for our senior neighbors. Senior holiday parties and festivities will be mobile and drive-thru this holiday season. To provide a gift for a local senior neighbor this holiday season, please contact Holly Mayer, hmayer@woodlandsinterfaith.org and a list of suggested gift ideas will be provided. Gifts are due to Interfaith by 12:00 pm Tuesday, December 1st.

Each family receiving Holiday assistance is also given food pantry staples and holiday foods to prepare a traditional Holiday Meal with Food Pantry Assistance. Organize a food drive and collect non-perishable items to fill Interfaith’s pantry shelves. This is a wonderful time to collect holiday food items. Please contact Ana Hardy, ahardy@woodlandsinterfaith.org for assistance with setting up a holiday food drive.

About Interfaith of The Woodlands:

Interfaith of The Woodlands is a non-profit social service agency providing numerous programs and services to meet the needs of The Woodlands and surrounding area. For more information on Interfaith’s programs and services, or to become a volunteer, please visit: https://woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281- 367-1230.

About Interfaith Holiday GIVING: To submit a request for assistance, email: holiday@woodlandsinterfaith.org. Please include the following in your email: Your name, current address and phone number. Visit https://woodlandsinterfaith.org/holidaygiving/ to learn more about Interfaith Holiday GIVING and if you would like to donate to support these Holiday GIVING Programs, please visit: bit.ly/InterfaithHoliday

 

 

INTERFAITH OF THE WOODLANDS PRESENTS 2020 COMMUNITY HERO AWARDS TO LOCAL HOSPITALS IN SOUTH MONTGOMERY COUNTY

THE WOODLANDS, TX (November 16, 2020) – As our county continues the ongoing battle against the global pandemic of Coronavirus, Interfaith of The Woodlands shifted its annual Hometown Hero Awards to focus on our local Community Heroes for 2020, honoring healthcare workers and administration from Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center, St. Luke’s Health, Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center The Woodlands for their bravery, sacrifice and service to keeping our community healthy and safe.

The 2020 Community Hero Awards were presented by Josh Urban, Interfaith of The Woodlands Board Chair, Congressman Kevin Brady and Missy Herndon, Interfaith President and CEO. Congressman Kevin Brady shared with each hospital his gratitude for everything they do each day to care for our community by selflessly giving to others, caring for the sick, welcoming new life into the world and supporting families during difficult times. Brady said he was proud of their efforts in responding to COVID-19 and as a token of his appreciation, each organization’s leadership was presented an official U.S. House of Representatives Commendation and a Community Hero Medallion.

It was a unanimous decision by the Hometown Hero selection committee this year to honor area hospitals instead of individuals, businesses and organizations. This annual tradition of honoring Hometown Heroes began in 1999 as part of The Woodlands
25th Anniversary Celebration and has continued ever since. Typically, Hometown Heroes are honored at The Woodlands Celebration of Excellence, but the event was canceled due to the widespread pandemic.

“How beautiful it is that nearly 50 years ago while planning out what was to become The Woodlands, Mr. George Mitchell knew that above all else, this community would need to be built with heart. Together with Founding Executive Director, Rev. Don Gebert, they created Interfaith of The Woodlands to serve the human needs of those who called this new neighborhood home,” shared Missy Herndon, President & CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands, “Today, in the midst of many challenges, the South Montgomery County area has pulled together to take care of those in need like never before. All of these hospitals are a beautiful example of the heart of our community and we are forever thankful to every single healthcare worker in our community who shows up in the name of service and caring.”

Interfaith of The Woodlands is grateful for the healthcare workers that continue to exhibit bravery and strength while serving on the frontlines of this health crisis, keeping patients safe and comfortable in their care. Congratulations to the 2020 Community Heroes!

About Interfaith of The Woodlands:

Interfaith of The Woodlands is a non-profit social service agency providing numerous programs and services to meet the needs of The Woodlands and surrounding area. For more information on Interfaith’s programs and services, or to become a volunteer, please visit: https://woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281-367-1230.