Maya McFadden Photos
Alder Honda Smith enlists neighbors, Hindu Temple in pandemic quest.
GAOCT partnered with Ward 30 Alder Honda Smith to distribute 500 bags donated by the organization to West Hills and West Rock residents.
“Our community was left on an island alone for a long time. When Covid hit, I asked the city, the mayor, food banks, everyone for help, and they didn’t come,” said Smith. “This community was forced to come together to help itself.”
GAOCT, which operates a Hindu temple hard by the Wilbur Cross Parkway on Pond Lily Avenue, allocated about $7,000 to purchase nonperishables and fresh produce. Members of GAOCT packaged the bags with enough food to serve a family of at least three.
“Many people have become unemployed. We want to be here more to feed the community,” said GAOCT President Jayesh Patel.
Ward 30 Democratic Committee Co-chair Iva Johnson was one of a dozen community leaders Smith called to pick up bags to deliver to seniors in the ward. Johnson picked up 30 bags for the seniors of the Wilmot Crossing public-housing complex.
Smith and Johnson called about 90 residents each in Ward 30 to remind them about the distribution.
Since the start of the pandemic GAOCT has been donating food supplies to Varick Memorial AME Zion Church’s food pantry. About 25 GAOCT volunteers gathered Saturday to help distribute the groceries. Members brought along their spouses and kids to help.
Nilchil Tailor, 14 (above) helped his mom, who is a GAOCT member, fill up community members cars with food. Tailor grew up around GAOCT and has helped with community service before; Satuday’s event was his biggest and the most valuable thus far. “I am thankful that we’re fortunate enough to help others with this stuff,” he said.
Johnson and other volunteers delivered groceries to seniors at Wilmot Crossing, Hard Street, Twin Brooks, and Westville Manor.
“Covid has made many needy people. Now it’s colder and harder everyday.” said GAOCT Vice President Pragnesh Patel.
James Onofrio (left) picked up groceries Saturday after hearing about the event from Smith. “This is very helpful because Covid has made things hard for me financially,” he said.
Onofrio has struggled to find work as a classroom assistant and advocate for at-risk youth. “There’s less opportunities for work now,” he said.
As the drive-through neared its end, Patel and other GAOCT members loaded up their cars to make a delivery of groceries to Varick Church.
The owner of Siesta Motel in Newington, Brad Rana, picked up 25 bags to drop off to his motel tenants.
“This is important. It builds a good and strong community,” Patel said.
West Rock and West Hills are isolated and often overlooked for services from organizations and the city. Thank you to Honda Smith for being a tireless advocate for her Ward and the GOACT members and other community members for helping with donations and distributing food to those most vulnerable in the community.