The Rest of the Story
Perhaps 2020’s slogan should be “The Best Laid Plans.” Though many events had to be postponed or canceled, it didn’t stop the tireless work of service organizations.
Writer Connie Bye followed up with Sustainable Bainbridge board member Christine Perkins to see what the organization’s plans were since the Earth Day festivities in April were canceled. Perkins said that they are already working on this year’s beach cleanup, which is set for Sunday, September 20 from noon to 3 p.m.
“Although we collaborate with the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup, we usually have a slightly different date in order to take into account local tides,” said Perkins. “Since Earth Day should be every day, this event will be so important.”
Empact Northwest, which was featured in our spring issue (“Empathy in Action”), has a more relevant role than ever. Accustomed to rapidly dispatching urban search and rescue teams to disasters around the world, Empact has pivoted to providing relief close to home since the coronavirus outbreak began. In addition to distributing personal protective equipment to local medical workers, the organization has conducted welfare checks, done grocery shopping, and delivered meal and prescription for residents who are quarantined, isolating or otherwise in need.
Always nimble in a crisis, Empact has managed to provide this relief while simultaneously developing safe intake processes for new volunteers and dealing with revenue shortfalls due to the economic impact of the pandemic. To learn more about its ongoing work, volunteer, donate or request assistance, visit empactnorthwest.org.