ATTENTION DONORS to the “Sanctuary for Immigrants in Westchester” campaign

Regretfully, the project that was envisioned by this campaign was not able to move forward for many reasons, including the major interruptions caused by the pandemic. As we emerge from the closures and restrictions of these past two and a half years and address the challenges that remain, we would like to close the account that was designated for this campaign.

We are respectfully requesting consideration to allocate contributions made to the “Sanctuary for Immigrants in Westchester” effort to the Dobbs Ferry Food Pantry that operates weekly from South Church. Many of you have already responded positively to this request – Thank you! Others have requested refunds, which we have provided.

The Food Pantry has quadrupled in size since 2020, serving an average of 300 people a week, including many local immigrant families in southern Westchester. Over the past year, we have served 135 local immigrant families as part of the Food Pantry’s operations. Beyond the weekly food and produce that is provided, the Food Pantry has served as a connecting point for families to receive other resources and support, including assistance and referrals for health, benefits, clothing, household items, and school-related support. Currently the Food Pantry is working to support the needs of 6 recently arrived refugee families from Ukraine and 1 family from Afghanistan who have settled in Westchester County, including closely partnering with the organizations sponsoring them.

The conditions of the times have called us to this response. You can join us in helping to improve the day to day lives of our neighbors seeking help by allowing us to use your contribution to support the ongoing outreach and efforts of the Dobbs Ferry Food Pantry.

Or you can request a refund of your contribution by replying to this communication / or emailing office@southpres.org with your mailing address, phone number and email address.

The deadline to request a refund is September 30, 2022.

Some people donated anonymously. GoFundMe will not provide us with those names or emails. If you donated anonymously, we kindly ask for a copy of the receipt you received from GoFundMe. All remaining funds in the “Sanctuary for Immigrants in Westchester” account as of October 1, 2022 will be transferred to the Dobbs Ferry Food Pantry account.

Please contact Robin Larkins, South Church’s Administrator, with questions or concerns at office@southpres.org, (914)693-0473.

Again, thank you for your generosity and willingness to stand with the strangers in our midst. This is what our faith calls us to. Blessings to you and your family!

NOTE: This Update has been posted by South Presbyterian Church in Greenburgh. Drew Paton is no longer associated with this campaign, since his resignation from South Church in June, 2021.