During 2005, 68,860 pounds of food were given to help 3,877 households, which fed 11,3256 individuals including 4,469 children, and 669 seniors. That is nearly 34.5 tons of food! This was made possible by your donations and the Second Harvest Food Bank, which furnishes nourishing, low cost food provided by Government programs and surplus food from local grocers. (www.SecondHarvest.org)
There are many sad stories. Most of the people are not malingerers. I am aware that there are some who work the system.. However, most of the people who come here are truly in need. The group is evenly divided - black, white, - male female – old, young – single, divorced, widowed, families. Many are employed but at minimum wage jobs without benefits. One elderly man come because his pension was cut and he lost his medical coverage when the steel plant went under. He had worked there for 35 years and thought his retirement was secure. One woman lives in her car. She does have a job but can’t afford housing. Another elderly gentleman survived cancer but is having difficulty surviving the huge medial bills. One young man is trying to care for his three small children, and asked for help while he searches for a new job. His last two places of employment both closed. He moved back to Elyria to live so his mother can help him care for the children. All of these people are your neighbors and need our help.
Most importantly, our volunteer base has continued to grow. Thanks to all of you who have volunteered a few hours a month to this extremely vital ministry. If you have been thinking about helping , a few hours a month will make a large impact. What does being a volunteer entail? Most importantly they welcome people to our Church. One volunteer registers the client. Other volunteers help the client make his/her selection and bag the groceries. Anyone who has time reloads the shelves as the food is given out. Have an interest? Please contact Sheryl Schmidt at . It is rewarding and fun. During 2005, 68,860 pounds of food were given to help 3,877 households, which fed 11,3256 individuals including 4,469 children, and 669 seniors. That is nearly 34.5 tons of food! This was made possible by your donations and the Second Harvest Food Bank, which furnishes nourishing, low cost food provided by Government programs and surplus food from local grocers. (www.SecondHarvest.org)
There are many sad stories. Most of the people are not malingerers. I am aware that there are some who work the system.. However, most of the people who come here are truly in need. The group is evenly divided - black, white, - male female – old, young – single, divorced, widowed, families. Many are employed but at minimum wage jobs without benefits. One elderly man come because his pension was cut and he lost his medical coverage when the steel plant went under. He had worked there for 35 years and thought his retirement was secure. One woman lives in her car. She does have a job but can’t afford housing. Another elderly gentleman survived cancer but is having difficulty surviving the huge medial bills. One young man is trying to care for his three small children, and asked for help while he searches for a new job. His last two places of employment both closed. He moved back to Elyria to live so his mother can help him care for the children. All of these people are your neighbors and need our help.
Most importantly, our volunteer base has continued to grow. Thanks to all of you who have volunteered a few hours a month to this extremely vital ministry. If you have been thinking about helping , a few hours a month will make a large impact. What does being a volunteer entail? Most importantly they welcome people to our Church. One volunteer registers the client. Other volunteers help the client make his/her selection and bag the groceries. Anyone who has time reloads the shelves as the food is given out. Have an interest? Please contact Sheryl Schmidt at . It is rewarding and fun.