In late March, an executive order was placed in New York to close all nonessential businesses and schools across the state to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Declared as the epicenter for the virus in the United States with the majority of reported cases in New York City, it was important for residents to stay at home.

The Kenyan government is requiring all citizens to wear face masks while riding public or private transportation, and in other public places. A new law was recently passed: anyone in Kenya found not wearing a mask in public places is subject to arrest, with an additional penalty of Sh20,000 (roughly $200 USD), six months in jail or both.

It’s Tuesday morning in Pittsburgh, and the temperature is just above freezing. Monique doesn’t care, though. She won’t let you see her shiver. There’s a reason that she’s out in the cold today: Feed the Children is holding a No Hunger Holidays drive to feed 400 families. Monique is here to pick up food, supplies, and books for her and her 3-year-old daughter, Sami.

People in Kim’s community suffer from diet-related health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Kim doesn’t want to see her kids grow up like that, but the inability to obtain nutritious food is a huge obstacle.

Emérita enjoys making El Tamarindo a better home for her children, and passing on her skills. In her words, “Thanks to FEED we can serve food to the children of our community and at the same time I feel happy of sharing experiences with my neighbors and friends.”

Even though she’s only 6 years old, Alejandra has big dreams. She wants to be a teacher and follow in her mama’s footsteps. Through Feed the Children’s support, she receives backpacks, school supplies, vitamins, toys, shoes, school meals, and preventive deworming medication.

Monica was hoping for food to help her make it through the month. But she wasn’t expecting the extra help that Feed the Children would provide. She said that the gift of personal hygiene items, in the Avon dignity box she received, brought her to tears.