Written by: DeWayne McCoy, Community Engagement Manager
Date: August 1, 2020
It has been an honor to serve publicly while others are called to serve in solitude. However, public service during a pandemic comes with pressure, and it is that very pressure that produces solidarity in purpose. The fear of falling victim to COVID-19 could not compare to the fear of failing to fulfill our mission to provide wholesome food to hungry people, while passionately pursuing a hunger-free community.
As a result of the pandemic, the number of food-insecure Southern Nevadans increased exponentially overnight, and so did our desire to be a source of hope. It was and is our time. Knowing that, I come to work every day covered in prayer, empowered with purpose and prepared to do what needs to be done. Some days are harder than others, and some nights are not long enough. It has been physically, mentally and emotionally draining at times, but these are the moments that test a team’s ability to function as one.
Everyone’s role seems to overlap at this time, and mine has been no different. My primary focus at the start of each day is to determine what goes where and to schedule when it should arrive. As Three Square’s Community Engagement Manager, my success is determined by how well I answer these questions. As the Interim Logistics Manager, my success is determined by how well I deliver on those answers. Not to mention, as the former Warehouse Manager, my obsessive compulsive disorder wouldn’t allow me to keep my responsibilities from overlapping. It takes a team willing to work together in order to serve a community at this level, especially when everyone’s capacity has been pushed to the limit. I have and will always continue to assist with what’s needed as long as I have the strength to do so.
I love what I do. It’s a calling of commitment that can only be compared to purpose. It’s absolutely why I rise in the morning. This experience will be something that I can tell my grandchildren about when they ask: “Where were you and what were you doing during the COVID-19 crisis?” My answer will be serving the community.