< Previous20 | THE DAILY NEWS | LATITUDE 29 | 2020 council’s office at 4700 Broadway in Galveston, but there is an online application available at www.gccac.org, Quintero said. “If anyone is in need of assistance, we encourage them to apply online, or come by and pick up the application on the west side of the building. We want to help as many people we can — if they qualify.” On the food front, organizers at the Galveston Coun- ty Food Bank saw a 65 percent spike in new clients from March 19 through the end of April, said Donnie VanAckeren, president and CEO of the food bank. “In January, we were distributing the equivalent of 450,000 meals to about 22,000 residents,” VanAckeren said. “Those numbers jumped to 530,000 meals and 28,000 individuals in April, which was alarming. “We’re still in the process of gathering the number of peo- ple served during the summer, as well as those who’ve come from Lake Charles after Hurricane Laura. September looks to be just as busy.” Food insecurity is a major concern all across the nation, and the food bank is afraid it’s going to see a spike in de- mand throughout the foreseeable future, VanAckeren said. “Families who’ve never used a food pantry are, once again, turning to our services,” VanAckeren said. “We’re so grateful for the monetary support and the continued flow of volunteers dedicating their time and talents. “We want them to know that they make a difference to the people we serve and that they’re appreciated.” The M.I. Lewis Social Service Center, 215 FM 517 E., in Dickinson, also has a food pantry for low-income residents of the Dickinson Independent School District, and has re- mained opened during the pandemic, as well as providing financial assistance for rent and utilities, said Betty Lessert, executive director of the center. “All in all, we’ve been hanging in there,” Lessert said. “We’ve still been able to continue our monthly food fairs via drive-through only, which are on the third Saturday of each month. We’re able to continue helping others through United Way Galveston County Mainland, who gives us funding monthly, as well as from residents of Dickinson who’ve been generous with donations.” The agency has seen 1,121 families since the middle of March and of those, 164 were new to the agency, Lessert said. “Actually, our numbers were down early on when the pan- demic began,” Lessert said. “We believe it was because of the stimulus checks residents received and the double portion of food stamps and other government assistance. “But all in all, I appreciate the extra effort from my case- workers, food pantry employees and administrative assistant during this most difficult time.” The Salvation Army of Galveston County has seen a 21 percent increase in the number of people seeking financial assistance because of COVID-19, officials said. “It didn’t start off right away,” said Melanie Thorn- ton-Lewis, director of social services. “At first people had stimulus money and unemployment was helping, but the need grew as people exhausted their savings and started to run out of options.” The Salvation Army also lifted the 30-day restriction on food boxes so families in need could come weekly if neces- sary and the amount given out more than doubled over the previous year, Thornton-Lewis said. “We’re grateful to the donors who made it possible for us to help those who came to us,” said Maj. Nathanael Doria, commanding officer. “Our regular donations are down, as one would expect at a time like this. And, unfortunately, we’re beginning to struggle some in Galveston as we contin- ue to serve the homeless in addition to those seeking help because of COVID-19.” The Salvation Army opened its new office at 4801 Emmett F. Lowry Expressway in Texas City on Sept. 21 for financial assistance. “We’re happy to be back on the mainland with this assis- tance, which is available to any Galveston County resident as long as the funds hold out,” Thornton-Lewis said. Volunteers Shelby McCarty and Jodie Manuel work in the warehouse at the Galveston County Food Bank headquarters in Texas City. M.I. Lewis Social Service Center board member Mary Dunbaugh, left, and executive director Betty Lessert. The agency has a food pantry for low-income residents in the Dickinson school district and provides financial assistance for rent and utilities, Lessert said. 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