PATH anticipates greater demand for services; seeks emergency donations

Published 3:21 pm Wednesday, March 18, 2020

The director of the Smith County relief agency PATH said that because of job losses related to the new coronavirus, he anticipates more people will be seeking its services.

To meet needs, the nonprofit asking for items to help better stock its pantry and for cash donations that will be used for gift cards.

“We know that as COVID-19 (the coronavirus) impacts jobs, schools and our community as a whole, many more of our neighbors will need the programs and services offered by PATH,” Greg Grubb, executive director, said in a statement on the agency’s website.

The agency, which helps people in financial need get food and basic services, plans to stay open and “move forward in the current environment with the challenges that COVID-19 brings,” he said.

“PATH is in need of funds to aid our response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. “We are requesting emergency funds to cover $10 gift cards that can be distributed to our neighbors in need to aid with gas or other necessities not covered by our pantry.”

The pantry needs plastic bags; canned tuna, chicken and beans; peanut butter; bread, hand sanitizers and toiletry items.

“If you have these items already on hand and would like to donate them, please bring them to our office at 402 W. Front St.,” he said.

He said people can safely donate and buy products online by going to its website, pathhelps.org, and clicking on the Emergency Relief Fund tab in the section on the coronavirus.

“PATH is closely monitoring this evolving situation, following recommendations from the Northeast Public Health District, as well as implementing policies to protect all who enter our doors,” his statement said. “Until we are instructed otherwise, PATH remains open for business.”