When Chapel By The Sea Presbyterian Church formed its Hunger Action Team (HAT), the name implied the focus. When CBTS was designated a Hunger Action Congregation by Presbyterian Hunger Program, bringing North Beach hunger security was the goal.
Covid-19 changed the direction. HAT created Coronavirus Safety Kits.
HAT partners are Cindy Stearns, CBTS member, Clint Davis, North Beach Community Emergency Response Team, and Phyllis Shaughnessy, Green Lantern Lunch Program founder and CBTS member, along with the Rev. Dr. Linda Flatley, Pastor, Chapel by the Sea.
“When we started, there was a small fund designated for hunger,” Stearns said. “Covid was not in the budget.”
Kits were distributed in June with no contact to the doorstep (bandana, hand sanitizer and information sheet with food and emergency resources), provided by the HAT fund and individual HAT members. Following positive response, a donor stepped forward to purchase July face masks. Lively Mask Boutique of Cosmopolis donated August masks. “We received a fantastic reception and added kits distributed each month,” Davis said.
HAT angels are off and flying. “Our HAT angels are businesses, organizations or individuals who bring time, talents, financial and product contributions to make things happen,” Stearns said.
Boomer Naturals has stepped up for HAT. The U.S. company supplied 1,000 of their 30-day reusable face masks. “This was a tremendous help and it’ll add a delivery to the ‘Humptulips’ route of Green Lantern Lunch kids and families,” Shaughnessy said.
More HAT angels are delivering, providing product or offering contributions to grow the initial 25. September had 104 kits assembled. An “angel” provided a donation for Taholah kids and their families. Another “angel” has provided funding featuring fair trade masks. Grays Harbor Emergency Management provided masks. In October, HAT is preparing kits for the Lake Quinault School District including over 400 masks.
Food security remains a priority for HAT. “We’re keeping watch for hunger needs along with safety,” Stearns said.
These kits are free on request in the region. “God’s servant leaders at Chapel by the Sea continue to serve the community and love our neighbors,” Pastor Linda Flatley said.
To contribute or receive a kit, please call 360.589.7751. You may donate online through chapelbytheseawa.org or mail: CBTS, P.O. Box 194, Pacific Beach, WA 98571 (Note/Memo- CBTS, HAT-Kit.).