Story by Lia Ganosellis of Content Cay
It’s no secret that it’s been a trying time for many in the Turks & Caicos since March, when our islands closed our borders and went into lockdown for four months. For some, those trying times began long before the Covid pandemic. But for every story of pain and hardship, there’s another one of love, kindness and compassion. And that’s what this story is about.
Since April, the Turks & Caicos Salvation Army and its volunteers have been working tirelessly to ensure the people of our islands have food on their tables. And Attimi Photography had the great honor of joining this team of volunteers to help not only prepare and distribute food to those in need, but also to document the process and spread awareness of the Salvation Army’s valuable work behind the scenes.
In the last six months, thanks to local businesses and individuals donating their time and resources (as well as generous donations coming from afar), the Salvation Army has managed to help 20,000 people in need. But what does that entail, exactly?
Since April, they’ve delivered 5,100 food baskets (each weighing about 35 pounds, for a total of 706,500 pounds of food). These baskets included rice, grits, beans, oil, pasta, potatoes, onions, carrots, oranges, apples, eggs and chicken.
For six weeks, the Salvation Army also provided lunch to 100 kids each day.
These efforts came in addition to the work the nonprofit organization does year-round, like providing hot lunches to more than 200 students at government schools. These students are identified by school guidance counselors as children who would otherwise go without breakfast or lunch.
None of this would be possible without the donations and support from both our own community and afar — including 30 volunteers on island who donated their time preparing food baskets, and monetary donations from visitors who simply love the Turks & Caicos and want to see it thrive.
The Salvation Army’s efforts since April were all made possible by the following businesses and individuals:
Pioneer Cleaners — provided the location to prepare food baskets and distribution, as well as vehicles
IGA — provided all the food at cost
Grace Bay Car Rentals — provided vehicles and volunteers
The Source — provided vehicles and volunteers
Patty Place — donated 10,000 patties
T & C Refreshments – donated 10,000 beverages
The best way to thrive as a community? Help your neighbors, any way you can. Because of a small group of volunteers, businesses and donors, 20,000 people in the Turks & Caicos haven’t had to wonder where their next meal is coming from — it’s been delivered right to their door. Let this serve as a reminder that small, selfless acts of kindness can go a long way.
Want to do your part to help the Turks & Caicos community thrive? Check out the Salvation Army’s website to see all the ways you can help. Even in the toughest of times, together we can make sure no person goes hungry in the Turks & Caicos.
©Attimi Photography – Turks and Caicos Photographer
