One week after a devastating loss, Niagara Gospel Mission officials say the organization has made a full recovery.
“Western New York lives up to the reputation of being a place of good neighbors,” Executive Director John Cooper said. “We had lost over 10,000 pounds of food due to two of our freezers malfunctioning. We estimated the total loss to be at $25,000. Within one week we have gained back our losses through food and monetary donations.
“We are so blessed to know we can rely on our community to aid us in times of need.”
Each week, Niagara Gospel Mission serves approximately 900 meals to homeless and impoverished individuals in the Niagara Falls area. When both freezers went down, Cooper said the mission’s team did not panic but called out to the community and the community answered in a big way. The mission did not miss a beat but continued to serve three meals a day and never had to turn a single individual away partly due to the ingenuity and creativity of our kitchen staff.
Within a week. Niagara Gospel Mission has raised over $40,000 through private donations. It has also received over 1,000 pounds of frozen meat and 2,000 pounds of other frozen items via in-kind donations.
What appeared to be a tragedy turned out to be a great encouragement to everyone. “It reminds our residents that people in the area care about them, no matter what situation someone is in, this example of generosity is a reminder that all of our neighbors have value and that our community cares about those who are in need.” Cooper said.
If you would like to donate or know more about the Niagara Gospel Mission, call 716-205-8805 ext. 105.