Circle of Concern COVID-19 Updates

3-27-2020 Update

Dear Friends,

I am reaching out today to let you know that we have made the difficult decision to close Circle’s doors for the next two weeks.

In preparation for the shutdown, our staff and volunteers have worked hard to serve as many clients as possible, contacting those who had appointments next week and working to fit them in before close of business today. We further streamlined processes, enabling us to do so.

I am proud of the way our team and volunteers have worked these last few weeks to respond to the Covid-19 crisis. They have taken every precaution to safely serve Circle’s client families and many others beyond our service area, modeling the processes of other pantries throughout the metro area. That said, we feel the ultimate measure in helping to stop the spread of Covid-19 is to suspend our pantry services temporarily, allowing volunteers to remain at home and for staff to work remotely where possible.

This hurts. We know there are families who need our help. However, we recognize that this is a temporary situation, and we will reopen again soon.

Our staff will continue to work during this time, communicating with clients, funders and agency partners, reporting, reorganizing, restocking and preparing for our re-opening — tentatively planned for April 13.

On behalf of our staff, volunteers and Board of Directors, I want you to know how grateful we are for your support. Together, we will continue to provide essential services for families, as we have done for more than 50 years. We send our best wishes to all for safety and good health.

Sincerely Yours,
Cyndi Miller

P.S. If you’re wondering how to help right now… a cash donation made online at www.circleofconcern.org will help us to order fresh foods and restock shelves soon in preparation for our re-opening. Our emergency rent and utility assistance and scholarship programs will continue, even through this temporary shutdown.

3-18-2020 Update

Greetings Circle Friends,

Circle of Concern is continuing to serve our client families, while continually adapting to rapid changes surrounding the Covid-19 Coronavirus crisis. The safety of our volunteers, clients and staff is paramount.

We have taken measures to reduce the number of people in our building, and to reduce contact with others. We have temporarily suspended face-to-face meetings with clients. We check them in at the curb and load pre-packed groceries into their vehicles.

We are practicing social distancing as much as possible, and of course following the other recommendations of the CDC – thorough, regular hand washing, continually sanitizing our workspaces and common areas, etc. and telling anyone who is feeling ill to stay home.

We have asked volunteers in higher-risk categories (the elderly and immunocompromised) to pull back from serving. Many have, and we fully support their decisions to do so. Others continue to serve, and we are grateful.

I am so proud of our staff. They are under tremendous pressure to serve families who desperately need our help, while considering the safety of our volunteers and responding to new information and recommended strategies.

Many of you are asking how to help. Cash donations give us flexibility to purchase what we need right now. Click here to give online.

Food, along with personal care and household cleaning items are always welcome. We ask that you check our social media, newsletter or website for a list of our current needs – or email us at circle@circleofconcern.org. Our Amazon Wish List is one way to donate goods quickly and efficiently: Circle of Concern Amazon Wish List »

We continue to plan for what may come and are considering reduced hours and other strategies that will allow us to serve clients under more restricted conditions. Please check our social media and website for updates. Thank you for your support!

Cyndi Miller
Executive Director
Circle of Concern

3-16-2020 Update

These are challenging times. Circle of Concern, like many other organizations, is exploring measures to respond to the impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus on our client families.

Many of you have contacted us asking how you can help. We anticipate serving more families than usual, those whose livelihoods are impacted by canceled events and less business. We foresee the need to purchase more nonperishable food and other pantry items as in-kind donations slow.

Will you help us to sustain good service to our neighbors-in-need at this difficult time with a contribution? Your cash donations will go a long way to ensuring families who are struggling have access to food and basic assistance at Circle.

Thank you for being a friend to Circle’s clients. And thank you for making our work possible.