The good people at Gaithersburg HELP asked if I could post the following. Please do what you can to help them out; they are a critical part of the safety net in Gaithersburg:
Gaithersburg HELP, which in 2008 is celebrating 40 years of “Neighbor Helping Neighbor”, provides emergency food, prescription and transportation assistance to Gaithersburg area residents. HELP is an all volunteer organization with no paid employees. A significant increase in the number of families seeking assistance, coupled with the increased cost of food, is causing a strain on the resources of Gaithersburg HELP. Through May 31, 2008, food assistance to residents is up 42% compared to the same period in 2007, with over 5,200 people in 1,300 families receiving assistance so far this year. The organization greatly appreciated the Food Drive conducted by the Diamond Farms Post Office in May, 2008, which resulted in the donation of over 130 Postal bins of food. All of the canned goods collected by the Postal Service have already been distributed to needy families.
At present HELP is purchasing increased amounts of food to meet the extraordinary demand for food assistance caused by current economic conditions. With the school summer vacation, additional need is anticipated since low income children will not be receiving the subsidized breakfast and lunches that they get in school on a daily basis. Donations of non-perishable food and money are especially needed during the summer months as there are fewer church and business sponsored Food Drives.
Businesses interested in holding a food drive or individuals who wish to donate food can call 301-216-2510, ext. 4 for information or email GaithersburgHELP@yahoo.com.
Donations by check should be mailed to:
Gaithersburg HELP
431 N. Frederick Ave, Suite 105
Gaithersburg MD 20877