Need is Up, Donations are Down
By Dan Breitwieser, WCJB TV 20 News.
With the current amount of donations, there aren't enough goods to feed the 1900 needy families promised a Thanksgiving basket this holiday. That's more than double the 700 families served in last year's drive.
Josh Fuller is one of two event organizers at Trinity United Methodist Church, coordinating the effort for the second year on behalf of more than 30 relief agencies.
"It's a little overwhelming," says Fuller. ""But not surprising with the economy the way it is. We're all starting to feel the pinch. We're just happy to help this many people."
But with less than a week before pickup, Fuller estimates only 25% of the needed food has been delivered.
"I think we'll get there," says Fuller. "But it will take the entire community to come together and really pull this off."
At Gainesville Community Ministry, one entire aisle of shelves is empty, something that was not nearly the case last year. Executive Director Michael Wright says the number of donations in 2008 is about half what it was in 2007.
"We are going to try to fill in where they (Trinity) might be short if we have the donations," says Wright. "But again, we're short, just like they are short."
You can drop off food or other donations at Trinity United Methodist Church at 4000 NW 53rd Avenue from November 17th - 20th from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. For more information you can call the church at 376-6615. Or you can check their website at www.thanksgivingbasketsgnv.org.
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