She said the 30-minute drive-thru food distribution started at 9 a.m., adding that the event was made possible by the donations of Lt. Gov. Arnold Palacios, Rep. Ed Propst, Rep. Ivan Blanco, Dr. Tim Rolle, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Mobil and Great Harvest Bread Co.
She also thanked American Memorial Park for allowing the charitable foundation to use the area for the community outreach event.
Smith said the charitable institution is still accepting donations, which can be dropped off at its outreach center in Gualo Rai.
The foundation, she added, has already distributed food and care packages to over 5,000 individuals since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions in March.
Lt. Gov. Arnold Palacios, center, helps Empty Vessel Ministry volunteers distribute care packages to community members on Saturday at American Memorial Park.
Empty Vessel Ministry volunteers prepare the care packages for distribution on Saturday at American Memorial Park.
A care package recipient poses for a photo with Empty Vessel Ministry officers and volunteers at American Memorial Park on Saturday.
“Most people who come to us for help are those who have been furloughed or lost their job due to the pandemic,” said Thomas Tebuteb, the new officer in charge and secretary of the ministry.
The other officers of the group are Gregoria Tebuteb, office manager; Ale Teregeyo, treasurer; Lillian Olopai, thrift store manager; and Vei Peteru, outreach coordinator.
“Empty Vessel Ministry Foundation has been in the CNMI for more than a decade assisting our people in need,” Olopai said. “EVM officers and volunteers are stand ready to do their best to help our island.”
