April 16, 2020

Mercy Home for Boys & Girls received 100 boxes of non-perishable food items from Chicago Beyond, an organization working with local nonprofits to identify needs and safe distribution methods during the COIVD-19 crisis. 

This Going Beyond initiative, led by Chicago Beyond CEO and founder Liz Dozier, will deliver basic necessities to people on Chicago’s South and West Sides who have less access to self-care items and healthy foods. Chicago Beyond, with the support of philanthropists Kimbra and Mark Walker, began the response by deploying $250,000 worth of goods to an estimated 5,000 families a week, at least until May 1. 

Mario Tamayo, Manager of Youth Programs Operations, is part of a team of coworkers facilitating food distribution. He says he’s thankful that Chicago Beyond plans to continue their support for Mercy Home with more donations over the course of this crisis. 

“Mercy Home is incredibly grateful for the impact Chicago Beyond will have on the kids and families we serve,” he said. “Their generous donation of food helps support our ongoing efforts to provide nourishment and basic needs to our extended Mercy Home family during these difficult times.”

During its first week, the initiative delivered 32,000 pounds of non-perishable food items, toilet paper and paper towels, and bags of groceries for 2,200 families. They also delivered 10,000 information cards in English and Spanish to share accurate facts about the virus and how to stop the spread. Additionally, the group delivered 400 bags of basic hygiene items and secured 275 gallons of hand sanitizer produced by local distillery, Koval. The hand sanitizer will be distributed to families and nonprofit organizations that continue to work with young people during this time. 

“We want to reach those with the greatest need and the least access,” said Kimbra Walter. “Our family wants to try to ease burdens for a sizable number of fellow Chicagoans. Liz and her team work hand-in-hand with community partners, and they are positioned to work quickly to meet needs at the block level.” 

As Chicago Beyond partners with local nonprofits like Mercy Home, the group is also examining the long-term implications of the pandemic and how it can sustain the city’s nonprofits throughout this crisis and beyond.

“Our long-term work in communities remains the same — backing the fight for youth safety, and equitable educational opportunities, health access, and housing,” said Dozier. “We acknowledge that people who were already on the margins will suffer in more acute ways. During this time of crisis, inequities in our city will become more apparent. We must respond to this moment rapidly, with flexibility and integrity while planning for a more just and equitable world post-COVID-19.” 

Mercy Home is ever grateful for Chicago Beyond’s continued support and generous donation of food items. Our partnership reflects a true community effort to provide essential needs to Chicago kids and families in need.