Editor:
Some of the staggering and dismal news reported lately is the severe shortfall for all non-profit agencies across the country. Emergency food banks and pantries have been particularly hard-hit by decreased donations while experiencing a sharp increase in clients.
Sweet Home Emergency Ministries (SHEM) has not been exempt and currently is facing record numbers of client referrals for financial assistance and emergency food boxes. SHEM has faithfully and compassionately served the needs of thousands of our neighbors, friends and families here in Sweet Home and surrounding areas since 1980.
It is through the committed efforts of caring people that we are able to carry out such a colossal work (so far this year, SHEM has distributed 2701 emergency food boxes, providing food to people in crisis).
As for myself, I am proud to be actively involved as a volunteer and board member at SHEM. This truly is a way for all of us to work together to provide services to the most vulnerable populations in our community, the elderly, homeless, disabled, single-parent families, unemployed, working poor, as well as families with children. The common link is that each of these families is struggling to make ends meet.
SHEM’s dedicated volunteer staff is the heart of our operation, tirelessly giving time and talents to compassionately serve the needs of others. If you are looking to make some new friends and searching for a meaningful and rewarding place to make a difference that positively impacts our community, please stop in or call the SHEM office at 541-367-6504. Volunteers are always needed and even an hour or two a month can help. SHEM could use your help to unload delivery trucks, stock shelves, re-package food items, to do cleaning and maintenance chores, as well as clerical and computer tasks.
When making your next financial donation, please consider stopping in 1115 Long St. (next to the Sweet Home Fire Department) and tour our facility. Our new home may be small, but it fits the needs of the community. Visitors are always welcome to tour SHEM during open hours (9 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday). More information can be found at our Web site at http://www.shemfoodbank.org
Thank you so much for keeping SHEM in your giving plans and prayers as we partner to eliminate hunger in Sweet Home today and into the future.
Cindy L Rice
Sweet Home