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Genesis Emery (left) hands out supplies as part of her organization's Curbside Community Care Packages program. Credit: Provided

SOUTH SHORE — With two South Side giveaways this weekend, the Amour Genesis Project is continuing to bring its Curbside Community Care Packages to Chicago’s underserved neighborhoods.

The first giveaway of 100 care packages will be held at noon Friday at Sip and Savor, 5301 S. Hyde Park Blvd. Another is set for at 1 p.m. Sunday at Trinity United Church, 400 W. 95th St.

Packages include:

  • Protective masks created by local designers Barbara Bates, Sharisa Freeman, Jynah James and Tiffany Williams
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Tissues
  • Soap
  • Disinfectant spray
  • Tissue
  • Tea to support the immune system
  • Bottled water
  • Cough drops
  • Healthy snack bars
  • Disinfectant wipes, upon request

Kids packs with toys, art activities and child-size masks are also available. In addition, lead organizer and South Shore resident Genesis Emery is organizing grocery runs for “anybody who can’t get out of their home or who is experiencing an underlying health condition.”

Masks and a few other supplies await inclusion in Amour Genesis’ care packages. Credit: Provided

The care packages started the first week in April, when Emery distributed them in six South and West Side neighborhoods including South Shore, Auburn Gresham and Englewood.

The project grew “beyond my expectations,” Emery said. “I took my money to fund the packages, my mom sent a nice donation, and from there it just grew and everybody wanted to help out all of the sudden.”

Emery, an entrepreneur and marketing director, also hosts the series “Mamas Making Money Mondays” where she highlights fellow women entrepreneurs in Chicago.

Some businesses have price-gouged residents in underserved neighborhoods, and they already have to deal with the disproportionate effects of coronavirus. That’s why the packages will continue to be free, Emery said.

“Instead of going out and selling those items, why not just bring them to the community?” she said. “I can’t personally cure COVID-19 … but I can help keep people safe.”

You can arrange supply donations by emailing Emery or with Olivet Baptist Church, 3101 S. King Drive. Cash donations to sustain the effort can be made through Emery’s Cash App account, $AmourGenesis.

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