Last April, the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization launched the “Buy a Nurse Lunch” program to raise funds for Columbia Pike restaurants to provide meals to frontline workers at local hospitals, clinics, and assisted living facilities. In less than a month, Arlington residents and businesses rallied to raise over $40,000 which funded the program throughout the entire year of 2020. The funds were spent with 12 Columbia Pike restaurants to provide nearly 3,000 meals to staff at Arlington Pediatric Center, Mary Marshall Assisted Living, and Virginia Hospital Center.
Now, with indoor dining restrictions still in place and colder temperatures making outdoor dining less appealing, the organization is once again asking for the generosity and support of Arlingtonians to continue the program through the winter months.
“Being able to rely on the weekly lunch orders and income has been critical for many of our restaurants,” says Executive Director Kim Klingler. “While there may be a light at the end of the tunnel with vaccine distributions underway, the pandemic is far from over and we are dedicated to doing everything we can to help our small businesses.”
The program’s goal for 2021 is to raise just $14,000 for its 10 currently participating restaurants. The funds will provide 1,200 meals for frontline workers from last year’s recipients with Arlington Free Clinic staff now added to the list of weekly recipients. The program will continue through March 31 or for as long as funds allow.
A donation of just $10 can provide one of these meals and help support Columbia Pike restaurants. Donate today or learn more about the program at www.columbia-pike.org/buyanurselunch