Councilwoman thanks church, community for COVID-19 response efforts
April 28, 2020
“Neighbors Protecting Neighbors” to fight coronavirus outbreak in high-risk communities
Councilwoman Yvonne McBride joined neighborhood associations, churches and residents in thanking Bishop Eric Freeman and The Meeting Place Church of Greater Columbia for helping to educate and protect residents against the spread of COVID-19 during a mask giveaway last week.
Councilwoman Yvonne McBride provides masks to a Richland County resident during a giveaway event aimed at protecting residents against the spread of COVID-19.
McBride represents Council District 3, which includes portions of the 29223, 29203 and 29229 ZIP codes that are among the areas with Richland County’s highest number of COVID-19 cases. In response to the church’s actions, McBride issued the following statement as part of the “Neighbors Protecting Neighbors” initiative:
“The Meeting Place Church of Greater Columbia gave an awe-inspiring donation of 6,000 masks for citizens in District 3 and other areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases. This effort was the largest community mask giveaway drive-thru in Richland County, and I am thankful to have been asked to take part. Bishop Eric Freeman and the entire Meeting Place Church family have done a tremendous public service, and I am grateful for their generosity and efforts to help others.”
More than 3,000 masks were distributed at the April 24 event, which drew about 300 vehicles. Because of the giveaway’s success, efforts are underway to empower neighborhood associations to continue to fight the pandemic by increasing education, practicing social distancing and seeking and providing more masks for its most vulnerable residents.
McBride said a second phase of the mask giveaway is planned. The New Castle Neighborhood Association will host a “Neighbors Protecting Neighbors” outreach event to provide masks and educational information. The association received 300 masks from Meeting Place Church’s donation. McBride said other communities in District 3 also will receive masks to use in giveaway outreach efforts for vulnerable neighbors.
“Who knows the neighborhood better than its residents?” she asked.
The remaining masks will go to nonprofit organizations to provide to residents in need.
