COVID-19 pandemic impacting metro woman’s organization to help the needy

ATLANTA — Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, people across the metro have stepped up to help others in the community.

That is the case for Erica Wright, who runs the group U First. She has found a way to hand out hygiene products and even bagged lunches to people who need it now more than ever.

"During Sunday school class, we were talking about our purpose. And I said well if I had an opportunity I would give the homeless items to clean up and have dignity,” Wright said.

She has been doing just that for the last seven years.

"It warms my heart to know at that moment we are sharing love and sharing empathy and passion," Wright said.

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As the pandemic has gone on, the need for Wright’s bags of hygiene products have gotten bigger.

Her bags include a "Love Bag" that has items like a wash cloth, tooth brush and tooth paste.

The COVID-19 pandemic has reduced private donations, and because of social distancing, she does more of the work now herself to keep the 30 volunteers safe.

"When I watch TV I just stuff bags,” Wright said. “Just last week I distributed 3,000 kits in my Honda Civic. I drove around to the different shelters to drop them off."

Wright said she doesn’t mind doing the work because she knows it's going to people who need it the most. She just wishes she could do more.

Last week, she saw another need in the community, so she started making and handing out bagged lunches.

“So now I am like, ‘If I could do 500 sandwiches, if I had a van, I would be out every day,” Wright said.

This year she has handed out 10,000 bags of supplies and wants to encourage more donations. If you would like to help Wright and her group U First, you can donate here.

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