We know that many of you may be wondering how you can help those less fortunate among us during the coronavirus crisis that is sweeping our community, and are sharing the attached information about the Common Ground Free Store’s Bags of Food Program as one tangible way to do so.

Please heed Common Ground’s recommended precautionary measures, and do not participate in this outreach if you are ill, or if there are underlying conditions that would put your own health, or the health of your loved ones, at risk.

An appeal from the Common Ground Free Store

As we continue to make adjustments in our work and personal lives due to COVID-19, Common Ground Free Store is passionate about serving those in need, while making these adjustments to best protect our community. It is our intention to still hand out meals-to-go on Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at our east side location as long as we are permitted. With the ever-changing guidelines for social distancing and talk of quarantine, we would also like to prepare for a prolonged period of time where those in need cannot access food from The Free Store. 

We would like to have a bag of groceries available to hand out to each family who may be trying to limit their interactions in the outside world. Although it is a last minute request, we would like to begin handing these bags out as early as Tuesday, March 17. Below, you will find a list of items that we would like to have in a bag to provide several days worth of food … including some “kid friendly” options since they are home all day, too! For those of us still blessed with the certainty of our jobs and income, please help us extend a helping hand to all of those who are facing difficult and uncertain times. 

• 1 loaf bread 
• 1 peanut butter 
• 1 jar of jelly 
• 1 large jar of applesauce 
• 1 package of cookies 
• 1 box of spaghetti 
• 1 can/jar of spaghetti sauce 
• 2 cans of spaghetti-o’s/ravioli (or similar) 
• 2 boxes of mac & cheese that do not require butter or milk 
• 1 pack hotdogs 
• 1 pack of buns 
• 1 box cereal 
• 1 bottle of juice

______________ 
Approx. $25.00 

 If you have any questions, please contact Volunteer Manager Jill Ignaszewski, at volunteer@ commongroundfreestore.org, or call/text 740-417-1285. The bags need to be dropped off at the volunteer entrance, next to the double doors where we receive donations. The shelving has all been emptied and sanitized, and the bags will be placed on these shelves and not taken anywhere else in the store. 

2 REMINDERS: If you are feeling ill in ANY way, please do not participate with this. Wash/sanitize your hands before bringing it to The Free Store. The Free Store is closed for our normal hours of operation through April 4th and we are NOT accepting any of our regular donations at this time. Thank you!