Pandemic Relief Grants
On Thursday, March 19, 2020, the Foundation for the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming committed $1 Million Dollars in support of relief for those negatively impacted by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Just fourteen days later, the Diocese mailed $460,000 of that grant to the 46 Episcopal Churches around the State of Wyoming. “Each Episcopal parish in Wyoming was awarded a grant of $10,000, regardless of size of community or church,” according to the Rt. Rev. John Smylie.
E-Bike Ice Cream
The E-Bike made countless stops this year throughout Jackson. Thanks to the Episcopal Diocese’s Pandemic Relief Grants we were able to purchase two bikes to use all summer.
We had a three routes each week: a kids summer camp route, a Sprout mobile route, and a “ride around and find folks to eat ice cream” route. Volunteers and staff from St. John’s and the Presbyterian Church hopped on the bikes to cruise. Nothing says pandemic relief like a cold sweet snack in the warm sun.
Some were skeptical. “Free ice cream? Why?” When they realized there wasn’t a catch (no, you don’t have to show up to church to get ice cream and no, we really aren’t asking for a donation) most smiled thoughtfully and gave the classic “hm that’s cool” with a nod.
This year we are ready to get cycling as soon as the roads are clear of snow and the temps reach tolerable ice cream eating weather. Let’s surprise some more folks in 2021!
In the early stages of quarantine, the church staff began brainstorming ideas to make a love-spreading difference amongst this unprecedented pandemic. Our focus became frontline workers. We had many inspirational ideas of ways to make a positive impact in our community. Through these hours-long Zoom sessions the staff came to a decision to make a difference in the lives of the local grocery store employees. These essential workers are vital in the valley and have continued to keep the doors open to feed the community.
Fred and Daryl Peightal, and Erin at Café Genevieve Catering were thrilled to join us in providing a meal for every employee of Albertsons, Jackson Whole Grocer and Smith’s. These meals were prepared by Café Genevieve and delivered to each of the stores. The Cajun jambalaya meal served at least two generous portions, and was served in reheatable containers with a sticker from us expressing our thanks. With funds from St. John’s and a grant from the Diocese of Wyoming we served nearly 550 meals to the valley’s grocery workers. Store Director of Albertson’s, Bonnie Stalenski, remarked that the staff was pleasantly surprised and appreciated that they were recognized for their hard work and dedication. With years in the retail industry, Browse 'N Buy manager Lonnie Brown is friends with many of these workers and each of them said a sincere “thank you”!
