Numbers expected to go up at food pantry during holiday season
Helping Hands Ministries of Rockmart are anticipating a busy holiday season as they continue to feed hungry people in Polk County.
They are reporting that more families are seeking help for not only food but also other items, especially for children. This includes baby diapers and wipes, paper towels and bathroom tissue plus hygiene items like toothbrushes, soap and shampoo.
Volunteers report some food items are purchased in bulk, such as sugar, rice and beans. Therefore, storages bags are needed to divide the product for distribution.
“We appreciate everything that is donated,” said Betty Cornwell, director. “However, we expect the need will be greater during the holiday season and cold weather of early January and February.”
She reports that 506 households were served during October. This included 229 seniors, 413 children, 28 homeless, 12 veterans and 66 new families. A total of 17,800 pounds of food was distributed to 1,387 people.
Hopes are to give out a special holiday box for Thanksgiving and Christmas that will include chicken and cranberry sauce. Although families are asking about turkeys, no one has announced such a donation is planned, according to Cornwell.
Cornwell reminded the food pantry would be open on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2015 and closed on Thanksgiving, Nov. 26.
“If we have more food, we can distribute more to people who keep coming to us for help,” she said.
She said the agency offers help programs to people receiving food. This includes Senior Boxes, a special list of non-perishable items for persons qualifying – through a federal program – as low income and over 60 years of age.
Blankets and carrying bags are given out to the homeless and the agency keeps special food on hand for people without refrigeration of electricity.
A representative from the Atlanta Community Food Bank visits on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. She coordinates with Department of Family and Children Services and assists people having problems with or wants to apply for food stamps.
An advocate for Veterans is present the first Thursday of each month to assist these clients. She provides information, phone numbers and services available.
“There is no charge for food or services at Helping Hands,” Cornwell said. “We rely on donations from the community – individuals, churches, business- es, industry and others.”
All proceeds from the thrift shop, located at 107 Church Street, Rockmart, go to support the food pantry in Rockmart..