Food giveaways, free COVID-19 testing events scheduled in Middle Georgia

The United Way of Central Georgia has partnered with the Georgia Veterans Education Career Transition Resource Center (VECTR), Middle Georgia Community Food Bank and Robins Regional Chamber of Commerce to distribute food boxes beginning at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the VECTR Center (1001 S. Armed Forces Blvd. in Warner Robins).

Participants can drive through the event, with volunteers practicing social distancing as they distribute 250 boxes with a three-to-four supply of food, according to a press release.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has increased food insecurity throughout our area and people who aren’t used to asking for help are finding themselves in a position where they need help,” said Daniel Charles, event organizer and United Way of Central Georgia’s Mission United Veteran Navigator. “Our veterans need our help right now and it’s important that we continue to take care of those who have put their life on the line to take care of us. We (United Way and MISSION UNITED) are fortunate to have a great partnership with the Georgia VECTR Center to ensure our veterans and others in the community get the help and nutrition they need through this food distribution event.”

For more information, contact United Way of Central Georgia by visiting www.unitedwaycg.org.

Free testing events

The Community Empowerment Center & Community Church of God has partnered with several Middle Georgia churches to provide free pharyngeal swabs, which tests whether someone is currently infected with COVID-19, and serological antibody tests at the following locations this week:

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at the Oconee Community Center (525 Wabash St. in Dublin) in partnership with the Wabash Church of God and the city of Dublin.
• 5-8 p.m. Thursday at Fellowship Bible Baptist Church (450 Dunbar Road) in Warner Robins
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at the Greater Union Baptist Church (525 Gray Road) in Perry
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church of Christ (511 High Place) in Macon.

Churches, organizations and cities that want to partner on free testing events can contact Pastor Jason McClendon at admin@maconcommunity.church.