Rebecca McClaskey, executive director of Sweet Home Emergency Ministries, wants to invite people to attend SHEM’s 25th anniversary celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sankey Park on Aug. 13.
On Aug. 12 and Aug. 13, SHEM will hold its first rummage sale. Times are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 12 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 13. SHEM hopes to make it an annual event.
While the early part of the year showed a decrease in the number of families needing help, that number has increased to levels comparable to 2004.
SHEM averaged 304 boxes of food for families during 2003. In 2004, it averaged 286 boxes per month.
SHEM was running 240 to 250 boxes per month at the beginning of the year, McClaskey said, but it gave out 297 in May.
“The clients coming in right now are clients who haven’t been in, in two to three years and new ones,” McClaskey said.
SHEM is on track to finish in the black this year after four years running a deficit, McClaskey said. Churches and individuals have stepped to help SHEM make it.