Endless Pools Donates $72,500 for COVID-Related Hunger Relief

To assist with the relief efforts for families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Endless Pools has donated a total of $72,500 to three hunger-relief organizations in the Greater Delaware Valley. The grants were a part of Masco Corporation’s commitment of $1 million of its 2020 community outreach funds for COVID-19 relief efforts near its US and Canadian business units.

The recipients are Philabundance, the Delaware Valley’s largest hunger relief organization; Food Bank of Delaware, which supports over 500 hunger-relief program partners; and Cathedral Kitchen, a vital non-profit that uses food to change lives.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous economic impact around the world. In the Greater Delaware Valley, where Endless Pools was founded and maintains its headquarters, the demand for these and other hunger-relief organizations has drastically increased.

Making an Impact

"We are grateful to Endless Pools for their continued support of Philabundance, particularly during this time of crisis in our community," said Kim Sears, Director, Strategic Partnerships for Philabundance.  "Their generous contribution helps us to provide relief for the people of the Delaware Valley." Endless Pools donated $25,000 to Philabundance, which has typically served over 90,000 people a week.

The Food Bank of Delaware also received a $25,000 donation from Endless Pools. Through over 500 hunger-relief program partners, FBD assists with short- and long-term anti-hunger efforts throughout Delaware.

"We are so thankful for Endless Pools' generosity as we work to meet increased demands for food assistance as a result of the COVID-19 crisis,” said Food Bank of Delaware Chief Development Officer Larry Haas. “Families who once donated their food, money, and time to food banks and food pantries are now needing assistance themselves. This generous donation will enable us to provide 75,000 meals to Delawareans in need."

Facing New Challenges

Since Cathedral Kitchen serves plates of food directly to people in need, they are most directly impacted by the mandates of our health authorities. Said Carrie Kitchen-Santiago, Executive Director of Cathedral Kitchen, "The donation will help sustain our food outreach to individuals and families who are struggling with poverty and food insecurity in Camden [New Jersey] and the surrounding communities."

"Due to the pandemic, the Kitchen has had to suspend meals and social services in our dining room and instead serve to-go meals from our front doors," Kitchen-Santiago continued. "Because of this, suspension of our volunteer program, and the temporary closing of our CK Cafe and catering – all due to the need for social distancing – we have lost revenue as well as incurred additional costs.

"For example, we have had to hire additional staff and purchase to-go containers, bottled water and hand wipes for each of the 300 or more guests we serve per day, six days per week. The grant will help cover these unexpected costs, enabling us to continue to serve an average of 1,700 meals per week to adults, seniors and children." Endless Pools donated $22,500 to Cathedral Kitchen.

Endless Pools is honored to assist all three of these vital organizations. If you're in a position to, you may choose to donate to Philabundance, Food Bank of Delaware, and Cathedral Kitchen at their respective websites.