UPDATED: Cy-Hope to distribute food to families in need, host blood drive

Updated March 17 at 3:30 p.m.

Officials with Cy-Hope continue to work to meet community needs during the coronavirus outbreak. Executive Director Lynda Zelenka said a blood drive with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center has been added to the nonprofit's schedule of events as the region deals with a blood shortage. The event is planned for March 25 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at The Hope Chest Resale Market, 12015 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress.

Additionally, the nonprofit is collecting food to distribute to underserved communities to reach local children who may not have access to transportation to get to Cy-Fair ISD campuses for meals, Zelenka said. Individuals can donate nonperishable food items, such as cereal, rice; pasta; canned vegetables and fruit; canned meat; soups; and snacks, such as Goldfish crackers, fruit chews and chips.

The first of the food-distributions sites will be Trails of Windfern Apartments located at 13035 Windfern Road, Houston on March 23 from 1-3 p.m. and Willow Green Apartments located at 8301 Willow Place Drive N., Houston, on March 24 from 1-3 p.m. More locations are expected to be announced soon.

Contact Cy-Hope at 713-466-4673 or www.cy-hope.org.

Originally posted March 15 at 4:52 p.m.

Cy-Fair families can pick up free groceries from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on March 18 at The Hope Chest Resale Market located at 12015 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress.

Cy-Hope Executive Director Lynda Zelenka said the local nonprofit would be partnering with the Houston Food Bank for the event. This community service comes in the wake of the coronavirus, which has caused local school districts to close and many area events to be canceled to help curb the spread.

Food distributed will include dry goods and frozen items depending on availability. Zelenka said there will be enough food on hand for about 300 families.

“We’re excited that we’re able to collaborate with the food bank and provide food—especially for the families in our backpack program,” she said.

Cy-Hope’s mission is to serve at-risk children in Cy-Fair ISD through counseling services, summer camps, mentoring and sending backpacks full of food home with economically disadvantaged students each weekend.

There will be no restrictions for families picking up food March 18, but there will be a sign-in sheet. Cy-Hope’s resale shop will be open for business, and Zelenka said she does not anticipate it closing any time soon. However, Cy-Hope employees are being asked to stay home if they feel sick or to work from home if they feel uncomfortable coming into the office.

Counseling clients can take advantage of virtual appointments during this time, and Hope Centers will be closed while CFISD is not in session.

“It’s worldwide—times of uncertainty,” Zelenka said. “But I know we’ll be on the other side of it. And we're here to help in any way. I am in collaboration with the school district finding out what Cy-Hope can do to come alongside of them.”

CFISD officials announced Friday they would be providing three meals a day for students in the district throughout the week while campuses and facilities are closed through March 22.