By Don Lowe
Like so many other organizations all across our country, Be The Change – Grove, OK is striving to help change things for the better as this coronavirus crisis keeps its grip on us all.
In particular, Be The Change recently started a ‘Soup of the Week’ program specifically designed to provide a meal for anyone who is in need all throughout this Northeast Oklahoma community.
According to Nicky Bassett, who serves as vice president of Be The Change, these meals are currently available every Thursday from 4:30-6 pm, and they’re being distributed via curbside pickup at Grand Lake Nutrition, 240 E. 3rd Street in Grove.
Bassett says, “Helping so many people who are hurting in our community right now, with the loss of income putting a strain on families all over our area, this is one less thing they have to worry about once a week with where their dinner will come from that Thursday evening.
“There are also so many elderly and immune-compromised individuals that can’t get out. So, we see neighbors helping other neighbors by dropping soup off for them.”
In sharing details on how this worthwhile service has come together, Bassett says, “Mandy Campbell (board member with Be The Change) puts information about Soup of the Week on social media via our Be The Change – Grove, OK Facebook page or our Be The Change Care-Mongering group page we’ve set up for specific needs during this difficult time.”
“Cathy Griggs (co-owner, along with Ford Griggs, of Grand Lake Nutrition) takes the food donations. Cathy and Lorri McPherson (owner of Dar-Lynn Custom Embroidery Shop in Grove) prepare the food.”
Bassett notes, “I was able to help the first week in getting it organized, while Cathy and Lorri brought the food out to the curbside deliveries. It was really wonderful.
“Mandy and I both have autoimmune deficiencies, which prevents us from being out with the public during this pandemic. So, Cathy and Lorri have stepped up to help in a big way with this project.”
In such a painful period for our nation, Bassett says, “It is very important for us to help and be there for each other during these hard times. That is what Be The Change – Grove, OK is all about.”
Bassett assures, “We could not do what we do without the help of our local businesses and community members. We are truly blessed with the very best here.”
Bassett is thrilled to be a part of this initiative and she emphasizes, “When you are able to see the thankfulness and gratitude of people in our community, it is heartwarming and so indescribable.
“Just being able to be the hands and feet of these blessings is payment enough. I cannot wait until I can get back out there, physically, and do all the things we are normally able to do. It brings such joy to my heart to be able to help others.”
Indeed, it really is all about lending a helping hand to all those in need.