Charities across South Florida have conducted emergency drive-through food distributions this spring during the COVID-19 outbreak. These efforts have helped people meet their basic human needs. For those unable to leave their homes, U-Haul and the City of North Miami Beach partnered with a local charity to deliver food and other essentials to the doorsteps of residents.

Joshua’s Heart Foundation, which fights hunger and poverty, put together a plan called “Knock, Drop and Roll.”

Volunteers knock on the door, leave the essentials, and depart for the next drop-off location. The no-contact delivery ensures volunteers and residents stay protected and follow social distancing guidelines.

U-Haul donated the use of 15 vans to the cause.

“Many residents are at home because they don’t have vehicles, or they are at-risk and sheltering in place,” noted Frank Grau, U-Haul Company of Fort Lauderdale president. “Our U-Haul vans pull up, stocked to the brim with food, and put a smile on people’s faces.”

On April 24, some 480 families in North Miami Beach received food service. The drop-offs included chicken, vegetables, lemonade and pasta, as well as various non-perishable food items. There were also non-food items, including hand sanitizer, hygiene products, razors and diapers.

“U-Haul strives to support the communities in which we do business. Finally, we are grateful to have been approached by Mayor (Anthony) DeFillipo to participate in such a humbling experience,” Grau added.