Community Connect Roundly Praised And Well Attended

The Austin Poverty Task Force had worked for months to spearhead and prepare for the first-ever Community Connect event in Austin on Saturday, coordinating over 40 agencies, churches and non-profits, as well as the 80 volunteers who offered help.

Their goal? Provide information, resources and services to the underprivileged, hungry and homeless …

The spirit seemed contagious, and hosts and guests alike wore big smiles.

Hy-Vee was giving away groceries; Hormel Foods was providing lunch — Riverland Community College cosmetology was giving hair cuts.

“Where do I go? asked one woman, nervously looking around at the crowds of people. “I need a flu shot .. and groceries.” A volunteer quickly took her hand and began to guide her through the people.