SAINT LOUIS SCOTT GALLAGHER
For Ana DiMaria (SLSG 2005 ECNL), sitting around and waiting for club soccer, and life in general, to get back to normal during this pandemic wasn’t an option. She saw another need during all of this.
Ana began reading up and seeing that the pandemic didn’t just take away soccer, but it took away the ability for many to feed themselves. “Unemployment rates have skyrocketed, and a recent study from the University of Arkansas estimates Missouri’s food insecurity rate during COVID-19 at over 40%, with Illinois’ at 32%,” said DiMaria.
So, she began her search for ways to help and found the Operation Food Search. Operation Food Search distributes more than $35 million worth of food and necessities to 330 community partners in 31 Missouri and Illinois counties and in the city of St. Louis. At this time, Operation Food Search is experiencing unprecedented, extraordinary demand for emergency food resources across our bi-state region.
Ana went on their website, created her own virtual food drive and couldn’t believe the success it gained in just a few weeks. “We were able to provide $3500 in food and nutrition services to struggling kids, teens, families and seniors in the area!”
It’s clear that Ana has a drive to impact the lives of others for the better, but she wants others to know that “it’s as simple as asking how you can help.” She encourages anyone to find the time to help others in need, whether it be through a food drive or anything else.
Thank you, Ana, for being such a team player, and a leader in the community! To donate to Ana’s virtual food drive, just click this link: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=ofsearch&id=181.
If you’d like to start your own virtual food drive, take a moment to visit Operation Food Search’s website, at https://www.operationfoodsearch.org/.
UNITY ⚜ HUMILITY ⚜ PASSION ⚜ RESPECT ⚜ TRADITION