Responding to Covid-19

Since things are constantly changing, we are making plans for just one week at a time.

Ibarra Elementary School, along with all San Diego schools, is now closed. It will be closed for at least six weeks (it’s a year round school). Many of our students rely on the school to provide them with two meals a day.
TEAM SDRT walked with several families to the nearest feeding site yesterday (Monroe Clark Middle) and it was a 3 mile round trip adventure. Each child got two delicious, fresh, healthy meals for free. We are hoping they can go on their own each day if they are in need of food. TEAM SDRT also delivered five food boxes to some of our families in need. TEAM SDRT has begun collecting and storing items our families may need as well. Most of our families have been struggling for quite some time so they will be entering an even more difficult time.

If you would like to join us, you can!

Here is the plan:

Collect items from Our List and do a “Drive-By-Drop-Off” on Thursday, 3/19 at 3pm or on Sat., 3/21 at 9am (email us for the location). TEAM SDRT will sort and deliver the items we receive to our families. If you do not feel comfortable driving and dropping off items you collect, you can ship us items (email us for mailing address) or donate on our website. We will put your money towards this cause at this time.

The List:

  • frozen chicken
  • halal chicken (what is halal?)
  • rice
  • pasta
  • frozen carrots
  • frozen corn
  • lentils
  • potatoes
  • onions
  • whole grain crackeres
  • granola bars
  • canned tomatoes
  • pinto beans (dried or canned_
  • canned corn (in water, not creamed)
  • toilet paper (can be ordered here)
  • disinfecting spray cleaner (CDC recommends these)
  • bleach
  • soap (bars or liquid)
  • diapers (all sizes)
  • ***Please only collect these items as we know our families will use them.

A note to you:
Thank you for showing up for our kids at this time of uncertainty. While you all manage to take care of yourselves and your families, you also think of our kids and their families. It is very encouraging. We will keep you posted as we make the best decisions we can over here!

~The SDRT Board
Matt, Tim, Joan, Rob, Mimi, Melissa, Carol and Jon

IMPORTANT: DUE TO GOVERNOR NEWSOM’S ADVICE, WE WILL NO LONGER BE COLLECTING ITEMS ON SATURDAY. MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW.

About Melissa Phillips

Melissa Phillips is one of the founders of San Diego Refugee Tutoring and currently serves as its Program Director. She has four incredible children, many years of teaching experience, and a supportive husband who also works in education.

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