When New York\u2019s shutdown began a little over two months ago, and as the pandemic dominated the news, many organizations ramped up their efforts to serve the community. Tioga County Rural Ministry (TCRM), headed by Sister Mary O\u2019Brien, was one of those organizations.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re here to serve the dear neighbor; they are animals, they are in Sudan; that\u2019s what we are,\u201d said Sister Mary. <\/span><\/p>\n In Tioga County, and with doors shuddered at area businesses, schools closed, and a soaring unemployment rate throughout the county, Sister Mary, along with the organization\u2019s volunteers, began planning for the unknown; they knew that the needs would skyrocket within the community.<\/p>\n Surprisingly, however, the demand up to this point has not been that spike that Sister Mary expected. For example, she explained, a May 1 food-giveaway prepared for 150, but only 62 families registered. The Southern Tier Food Bank give-away in April served about 300.<\/p>\n The reason for the low numbers was possibly due to the receipt of stimulus checks, and the Pandemic Unemployment Insurance that residents received. <\/span><\/p>\n The other reason, however, is the pandemic itself; many did not want to leave their homes, or were having food delivered to them. In areas like Spencer, N.Y., Sister Mary said they saw an uptick in the need for assistance, making the needs as unpredictable as the virus itself.<\/p>\n What Rural Ministry has seen, however, is an increase in donations to their mission of serving the community. During the month of April, for example, donations increased by approximately $15,000 in comparison to the year prior.<\/p>\n Sister Mary told of an elderly couple that came to TCRM and generously donated their stimulus checks. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s people wanting to help other people,\u201d said Sister Mary, adding, \u201cThat\u2019s who we are in this county. People are so generous.\u201d<\/p>\n On Wednesday, Nikki Schreiner donated a variety of pasta and low-sugar cereals from a fund created at Gary\u2019s Berries, with TCRM selected as this year\u2019s recipient.<\/p>\n With over 200 volunteers, and a limited staff, TCRM, during 2019, was able to build 20 wheelchair ramps, 46 families received a line of credit through the Farmer\u2019s Market Initiative, 53 refurbished bikes were distributed, 11 camperships were sponsored by TCRM at Mapleridge Ranch; 64 families were served at an August food give-away, close to 40 teens benefited from the Back to School clothing program, 192 families received financial assistance, holiday food baskets were distributed during Thanksgiving and Christmas, 343 children received toys, and the annual Spring clean-up served 66 senior citizens in Owego and Apalachin.<\/p>\n Looking forward, Sister Mary understands that things are going to remain unknown for quite some time regarding the virus, and the needs.<\/p>\n With several grants in the works, Sister Mary is preparing to provide continued COVID relief. The grants will assist community members that have lost their jobs, lost their insurance.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will pay your bills,\u201d said Sister Mary of the program. <\/span><\/p>\n So far the COVID Relief program has received $16,000, and another $25,000 grant is being applied for. <\/span><\/p>\n This is just one change that Sister Mary is anticipating. They had to cancel their Spring clean up for seniors this year because of the pandemic, and they have lost a few volunteers that have underlying conditions, making them vulnerable.<\/p>\n Protocols are also changing, and the way assistance is delivered. Today, those visiting the pantry must ring the doorbell, stand behind a line, and the volunteers then leave the food on a table. They are also delivering, and Sister Mary recently put out a call to area walkers.<\/p>\n \u201cYou put out the request, and people help,\u201d exclaimed Sister Mary.<\/p>\n