NEWPORT NEWS 一 Monday’s storm damaged THRIVE Peninsula’s box truck, but the organization said Tuesday it would continue serving families while it works to replace the vehicle.
THRIVE Peninsula operates a free grocery market in Newport News and serves families throughout the Peninsula, including residents from Newport News, Hampton, Yorktown and Poquoson.The organization expects to serve more than 45,000 people this year.
The truck, along with two other vehicles in the parking lot, was crushed by a tree near THRIVE’s Newport News building. No one was hurt. The loss of the truck has hindered operations, as it was used to pick up food, transport donations, deliver supplies and help the organization serve families in the area.
“The box truck supports the market at THRIVE, the free grocery store and we will serve over 45,000 people this year. So a lot of people rely on us and need us right now with the rising cost of groceries and goods,” said Angela York, executive director for THRIVE Peninsula.
Kenny’s Tree and Crane donated its services to remove the fallen tree and clean up the THRIVE property. The organization is still unsure how much of the replacement cost will be covered by insurance.
In the meantime, THRIVE is renting a truck to continue its operations. The organziation is accepting donations online and is seeking volunteers who are willing to use their personal vehicles to help pick up food, specifically in the mornings.
As THRIVE works to keep its operations running, York said the organization cannot afford to slow down.
“There’s not really an option for us to not move through these setbacks,” she said.
