The numbers are still staggering, yet sadly we are getting used to it. Last week, another 3.2 million people filed for unemployment, bringing the total since the outset of this crisis to 33.5 million.

We have now reached levels of unemployment not seen since the Great Depression. Across the country, people are lining up in their cars for food. In some places, the cars start lining up before sunrise to make sure they get help before supplies run out.

Mercy Chefs has been providing thousands of meals nearly every day during this crisis. We are in our eighth week, and the need isn't letting up. This week, through our partners in South Dallas, we helped provide thousands of children and their families with food. We are seeing a similar story unfold at Mercy Chefs distribution sites across the country. In Tennessee and Florida and South Carolina and even on the island of Maui -- where Hawaii's unemployment rate topped 37% a few weeks ago -- your support is helping to feed thousands of folks every week.

I don't know when this will end. It could be weeks or months. Right now, I can't look that far ahead. I must think about the needs RIGHT IN FRONT OF US and I'm looking at the next seven days knowing that Mercy Chefs will provide at least 40,000 meals if not more -- and I could double that if we had the resources!

I'm turning to friends like you because the need is so great. Can you help me THIS WEEKEND so we can continue to provide a lifeline of hope to tens and even hundreds of thousands of people during this crisis while we continue other vital efforts? Go here to make your tax-deductible gift:

+ + Your support is helping meet serious needs

Those being helped are often facing very serious needs. For example, in Oklahoma we're providing support to three foster families who each took in sibling foster kids in the past week, pushing each family to over 10 people in their homes. It's a tough time to add even more mouths to feed! Mercy Chefs meals have been a godsend to these families.

I've shared the stories of elderly shut-ins who are so grateful for meals from Mercy Chefs. One lady called the meals a "life saver." It's like they can't believe that someone cares enough to bring them chef-quality meals -- right to their homes.

This has been an unprecedented crisis for our nation. But in the midst of this crisis, we are seeing signs of hope as people share what they have to help those in need. I'm so grateful for faithful friends like you who help make every meal possible. Your prayers and your generosity inspire everything we do.

Thank you so much, and God bless you!

Gary LeBlanc

P.S. It's been amazing to see and hear the stories of how people are impacted by meals. And quite often, the Lord opens doors for ministry right then! In this time when so many Americans are isolated, the human touch means even more. Thanks for partnering with us. Go here to help.