UNPREDICTABLE TIME
Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard in Ambler sees need multiply
AMBLER » It’s been quite a year for the Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt everyday life, organizations like the Ambler-based food pantry play an important role working to help hundreds of local people in need of food.
“We’ve been around for 43 years, but I feel like unfortunately there are people that are now our clients that have said to us, ‘Gosh, I never thought I would be in this predicament. I never thought I would have to come to a food bank,’” said Executive Director Cindy Wedholm. “Or ‘I’ve brought food here as a donor and now I’m here to pick up food for my family because I can’t provide for my family.’”
Since March, the Montgomery County nonprofit has ac
quired about 100 new clients, consisting of single adults, families and seniors, according to the newly appointed nonprofit executive who’s been affiliated with the organization for about two years, but started her job on Oct. 1.
“I would say if anything our demographics have changed to be more families,” she said.
When reflecting on her time with the organization, Wedholm said working in a food bank during the COVID-19 pandemic has been quite an experience.
“It has been very … unpredictable,” she said. “So in the beginning we had lots of new families, but a lot of our existing clients weren’t coming out. Many of our clients thought we were closed even though we remained open the entire time as an essential.”
The Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard, located at 150 N. Main St. in Ambler is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Donation distributions take place on Mondays and Wednesdays. There is also a North Hills satellite facility, located at 212 Girard Ave. in North Hills that assists people living in the 19038 zip code.
The Montgomery County nonprofit services residents in several areas including Ambler, Blue Bell Dresher, Fort Washington, Flourtown, and Oreland. For a full list of eligible zip codes surrounding the facility, visit community-cupboard.org.
The Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard implemented several health and safety protocols to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. For clients, that means wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and picking up donations outside the facility.
The food cupboard is checking temperatures of volunteers, who must also wear a mask. The agency is providing gloves and hand sanitizer for its volunteers.
Wedholm noted the COVID-19 pandemic did present some challenges.
“We did take a hit with volunteers in the beginning, but then thankfully enough of the volunteers that were comfortable coming out stepped up to the plate,” she said. “We are very lucky to have a good base of volunteers that are steady.”
There are roughly 25 volunteers per week giving their time to help the organization, Wedholm said.
Wedholm said “donations were astronomical,” as she expressed her gratitude to community members who gave contributions in the form of food or money.
“If it wasn’t for the community, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do,” she said.
Wedholm added that new donors have really stepped up during this trying time to help.
“I think it has brought a little more awareness to the fact that we live in this wonderful community, but that gives you a little bit of ownership to be kind, and to help your neighbors, and I have definitely seen the more donations from new donors come ... more people [are] interested in volunteering that have wanted to give back somehow,” she said. “So I feel like people kind of thought outside the box as to how they would particularly be able to help out and that people saw the need.”
In addition to food service, the nonprofit. focuses on a variety of other areas including clothing, employment, financial assistance, as well as medical and housing referrals.
Wedholm stressed that the organization is here and they’ll do whatever they can to help.
“I don’t want people to feel shame in this. It’s not shameful,” she said. “You’re taking care of your family and circumstances have come into your situation where you can’t do that and so … what I tell these clients is if we can take a little bit of your stress off of your plate … then you can concentrate on something else, which is more important. They shouldn’t have to be this worried about food or this worried if they’re gonna get evicted or what have you.”
With the holiday season approaching, the Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard is preparing to service the community with several upcoming events.
Over the past week, the nonprofit organization’s Facebook page was filled with posts showcasing large food donations from businesses, schools and community members.
Additionally, 200 turkey boxes were distributed Friday morning. Volunteers placed the boxes inside of clients’ cars to adhere to social distancing guidelines. According to Wedholm, the boxes are supplied with everything needed for a Thanksgiving dinner. Another distribution event is scheduled for December.
Additionally, Wedholm said the agency has revised their typical holiday gift program to include gift cards for participants.