When news broke of the tragic mid-air crash of American Eagle Flight 5342 and a Black Hawk helicopter, DC Central Kitchen knew we needed to find a way to help. The tragedy struck especially close to home, as our facility, the Klein Center for Jobs and Justice, sits at the tip of Buzzard Point on the Potomac River, a stones-throw from the crash site. Since the morning of Thursday, January 30, DCCK has been feeding first responders, serving hundreds of breakfasts, lunches, and dinners at the recovery operation underway on Gravelly Point.
While, on an average day, we provide over 16,500 meals to people throughout DC, from elementary school students to home bound seniors, these emergency meals have taken on extra significance.
Driver Lonnice Proctor has been working at DC Central Kitchen for the last two and a half years, winning our highest staff award for her commitment to our mission. When asked about what it meant to take on extra work during a time of tragedy, she told us, “This is what I like to do. It was nice to know we were doing something positive while most people could not.”
Lonnice has been traveling to and from the Klein Center for Jobs and Justice, driving across the Potomac to the site of the most significant disaster to occur in U.S. airspace in at least 15 years. Her work is clearly appreciated. “They (the first responders) told me thank you a thousand times. I was just happy to be able to help. A lot of people have been there all night and they’re hungry and they’re cold. It’s good DC Central Kitchen was able to provide meals.”
Over the weekend a leader from the Incident Management Team told us, “Thank you so much for everything, you have all made this much easier for us.”
We will continue serving meals to the recovery team through Wednesday, February 5. DCCK drivers have taken on overtime shifts to ensure we could manage additional breakfast service even earlier than our first delivery routes of the day.
This response has been made possible by an outpouring of community support, as more than 250 people and families have made online donations in support of these meals. Here are the are the messages we received in support of first responders from donors who wanted to share their appreciation and sympathies, and we are posting them here in hopes they can be of some comfort to those who have stepped up in this crisis.
“Thank you for your service, DC First Responders” – N.A.
“Thank you to the first responders who are navigating this difficult situation! Your work is valued!” – T.E.
“THANK YOU!!” – P.M.
“To all the first responders at DCA: thank you for your service to your community during this difficult, sad time. Your work will help families get closure and we hope you will get help to recover from this tragic accident if needed.” – A Family in Reston
“[This gift is] for first responders at the crash site and in memory of the crash victims” – G.S”
“Making a small, impactful and immediate difference to sooth the soul” – River Edge Book Club
“Thank you first responders and all people involve in helping recover bodies. They are all in my prayers.”
“You’re going to make this world a better place.” – L.G.
“[Honoring] the brave men & women first responders after the plane crash” – K.S.C.
“Staying strong for the victims, their families and all of KS/DC <3″ – Hubbard Family
