A group of ten volunteers arrived at the LiftUp of Routt County food bank last month ready to unload a truck filled with supplies from the Food Bank of the Rockies. It was the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak and the organization was planning for a surge in demand.

LiftUp of Routt County is an inter-faith based, non-profit organization that is committed to meeting basic human needs, while promoting personal growth and self-sufficiency. Over the years, the Colorado Group Realty Charitable Foundation has built a strong relationship with the organization and partners with them every fall for their annual coat drive.

Each year, LiftUp serves one tenth of the local population. Around 2,300 low-income individuals benefit from food assistance, health, housing or utility assistance and scholarships, among other services. Since the virus outbreak, those numbers are growing. In the first two weeks, the food bank catered to the same amount of people it typically sees in a month. “We are expecting to see a significant increase in the number of requests we get for emergency financial assistance in April,” said Sue Fegelein, the Executive Director. The thrift store, which is their biggest source of income, is currently closed, which is a loss of around $24K every two weeks.

The organization has had to adapt by offering prepared food boxes, delivery and a drive-up collection system. “The safety of our staff and volunteers is paramount and we are taking every possible measure to minimize risks.”

“I have full faith in our community to get through the crisis,” Fegelein said. “People are very passionate here about helping with basic human needs and the community has already stepped up in so many ways.” While LiftUp is applying for grants, businesses and individuals are spearheading creative campaigns and matching donations.

At this time cash donations offer the greatest way to help LiftUp serve community members in need. Volunteers are being asked to contact United Way to be assigned tasks. LiftUp plans to remain open and is doing everything in their power to keep serving. Learn more at www.liftuprc.org.