Cindy Young, President Jimmy Bragwell, Vice President Dan Penrod Trish Penrod Mac MacDaniel Jeff Johnson Michael Broder Jacqueline Broder
FLORENCE-The Help Center Board President Cindy Young and volunteers met and toured Mayor Steve Holt yesterday. During the visit, volunteers were busy unloading a truck with approximately 18,000 lbs. of food from the Food Bank of North Alabama in Huntsville.
The Help Center was started in 1982 as a cooperative effort between several churches and organizations and continues to be committed to offering services for anyone in need. They are a 100% volunteer-operated organization. Zero dollars are used for administration.
The Help Center offers a food and clothing pantry open to the public every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and the 4th Saturday of the month from 8:30 am – 12:00 pm.
When doors open, clients meet with volunteers to assess needs. They ask for ID, address, family size, and income. “If someone comes to this center, we do our best to make sure they leave with food! Food is my focus, and feeding hungry people is my passion and purpose. We are making a difference in feeding Florence and the surrounding area!” reiterated Cindy Young. When talking with Ms. Young, you know that she has a heart for serving, especially the Seniors in our community.
Clients shop in the clothing area, are given supplies like bedding and diapers as needed, then loaded up with food supplies, including canned goods and meat, as well as fresh fruit, milk, and cheese when available. On Fridays, bread, and sweets are available through donations from Publix and Panera Bread. In recent years, The Help Center has tripled the food program and now able to service individuals every 30 days.
Monetary assistance up to $100 for prescriptions and/or utility bill costs are available on a first-call basis (per household, per year). This program is only possible through donations. Cindy Young explained, “Needs are increasing, and costs are increasing, but our donation stream has remained the same. We would like to see an increase in donations to help more people.”
Several times a month, a volunteer travels to the Food Bank in Huntsville to restock supplies. “Frequently, we rent a truck at the cost of approximately $150 to $180.00 per trip. A partnership to help transport food that could reduce the cost, would be great,” stated Jimmy Bragwell, Vice President. “We have 50-60 dedicated and amazing volunteers who show up every week to make sure The Help Center runs smoothly,” shared Ms. Young.
“Unfortunate events happen to people every day. Many people do not know to whom or where they will turn when they cannot pay for basic necessities. Florence Utilities is proud that we can work with the Help Center,” shared Sandie Preedom, Florence Utilities Customer Service Manager. “Customers can easily donate small amounts on their monthly utility bill to the Help Center, and all of those donations go directly to assist people in this community. Over the past year, customers have donated $38,729. We look forward to growing and continuing our partnership with the Help Center.”
Charles Wickwire, Help Center Volunteer explained, “This volunteer organization is working really hard and have increased their effort to meet the needs of the public. There has been an increase in the focus on food! Through the utility assistance program, they can help folks that legitimately need help.”
“I am proud of Florence and the many dedicated organizations and volunteers in our community. The Help Center does an outstanding job caring for those in need,” said Mayor Steve Holt.
The Help Center is an all-volunteer 501(c)3 non-profit organization and can provide a tax deduction document. Anyone that wishes to get more information, volunteer, or donate, please visit The Help Center at 621 S Court St., Florence.
For more information contact:
Phone 256.766.7663
Mailing address:
PO Box 1713, Florence, AL 35631
Office location:
621 S Court St., Florence, AL 35630
https://www.florencehelpcenter.com/
Media Release/Rachel Mansell/City of Florence/Media & Sustainability
