Behind the Scenes of Gleaning’s Flexible Humanitarian Efforts

“Pick up at the back door!” “Pick up at the back door!”

These words echoed over our warehouse loudspeaker. The announcements, in and of themselves, were not unusual. Probably not a week goes by that we don’t hear several of them! But this time — only minutes apart — the pondering arose regarding whether this pertained to a single pick up or two pick ups? As it turned out, there were two.
One was a local food pantry partner eager to get several thousand pounds of fresh ears of corn. The other was from an animal welfare partner eager to pick up several thousand pounds of cat food for their animal rescue efforts. Both partners had the correct address and location – our warehouse in Concord, Virginia.
Canned cat food and fresh ears of corn? The juxtaposition invokes a smile. How did we get to this point? Yet, this is advancing ahead of the narrative. Let’s go back and start at the beginning…
You’re probably familiar with Gleaning’s disaster relief program. Since our founding in 1998, disaster response has been a well-known part of our humanitarian relief efforts. It probably wasn’t originally designed to be – at least in the early days.
However, our mission of “sharing the love of God at home and around the world to victims of poverty and devastation” certainly opened the door for Gleaning to respond to individuals and families caught in the path of nature’s destructive acts. As it’s turned out, and as it appears divinely orchestrated from the beginning, our disaster relief efforts have been a significant part of our work through the years.
Over a decade ago, we learned firsthand how important it is to have pet food as part of our shipments into disaster areas. It is an essential for families who count their pets as family members and who bring them to emergency shelters.
During the recent pandemic, we also began assisting animal rescue shelters. We learned that by helping provide pet food and supplies we were not only helping rescue organizations take care of animals in their care, we were also helping struggling families wanting to keep their cherished pets at home. Animal shelters began holding drive-through pantries – all for the purpose of distributing pet food and supplies to families in need.
So, now you have insider information on why we had the cat food pickup! You might be surprised to learn that we have now processed and distributed well over $1M in pet food/supplies.
Gleaning is nothing if not flexible! We adapt to change like no other!
Such was the case recently when a partner called me offering a partial truckload of fresh corn on the cob. Who can say no to fresh corn? We knew our local food pantry partners would be eager to have it, but as with all perishable food, time was of the essence. As we reached out to distribution partners to arrange pick ups and deliveries, our volunteers were quickly bagging the thousands and thousands of ears.
That explains why we had the fresh corn pick up that day. You know, as a conduit of God’s love, we are always on stand-by to follow His calling – no matter what form it takes.
Whether we’re delivering supplies here at home in Virginia, across the United States or around the world, the announcement, “Pick up at the back door!” is one we welcome, even treasure! It can only mean one thing – someone, somewhere is getting something they need.
Thank you for making this possible! When you give financially to Gleaning, you are meeting practical needs. You truly make a difference.

P.S.  The summer months are pretty challenging for us at Gleaning.  Often the needs are greater, but the resources are few.  Your financial donation this month would be huge for us. If you want to make a significant difference with your resources, please click here and give your most generous gift this month.  God bless you for considering it!