Spread love by donating food to Bayhealth

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare professionals saw a huge surge in generosity from community members, who gave them everything from discounted services to free lunches. As the pandemic subsided, donations waned, but Dawn Hastings and her fellow congregation at House of Praise for All People in Greenwood wanted to make sure healthcare professionals continued to feel seen and loved. So a food drive was born that is made to the Bayhealth Emergency Department team at the Sussex Campus on the last Tuesday of every month.

In 2022, Dawn asked her pastor, Robert Muncy, and the congregation at House of Praise if they would be interested in spreading God’s love in the community through food giveaways. She sparked a giving effort that lasted over two years and included donations to the Milford Police Department, the Kent County 911 Center, and several nursing units at Bayhealth Sussex Campus.

“It’s important for all of us as Christians to let people know that God does indeed see them,” Pastor Muncy said. “No matter how bad your day is, you are seen and loved.”

The church posts an announcement about its “Parish Blessing” in its weekly bulletin, and the community responds generously. Everything from soups, snack bars, sandwiches, caramels, fruit, and other take-out items are donated to be brought to the emergency room.

“Rumor has it that staff have been seen with their noses pressed to the windows waiting for us,” Steve Hastings said. “We are delighted to see how happy the team is to receive donations.” And church volunteers are always greeted with a friendly smile from Joan Myer, Bayhealth’s patient advocate, who has been instrumental in coordinating deliveries over the years.

The Bayhealth Foundation has sent letters of thanks to The House of Praise community and continues to be grateful for their generosity. “It is wonderful to see our emergency department team members receiving care from members of our community in this way,” said Lindsay Rhodenbaugh, DMin, president of the Bayhealth Foundation. “We are grateful for the generosity of the church community.”

Dawn says she doesn’t see an end to the donations in sight. “In the emergency room, the team comes into contact with patients who may be having their worst day,” Dawn said. “There’s not much I can do about that, but I can show my love and support to the emergency room team through food.”

The House of Praise for All People welcomes others in the community to donate items to be dropped off in person at the Bayhealth Sussex Campus. “When you give, you feel better and the people you give to are blessed,” said Pastor Muncy.

Visit Bayhealth.org/Foundation to learn more about ways to recognize and honor healthcare professionals through monetary donations.