Caring and Sharing will not employ post office for food drive

Caring and Sharing of South Santa Rosa County exists to insure that the financially disadvantaged, especially the elderly and children in the community are not forgotten during the holiday season. Through the generosity of the community, food baskets and good, clean used clothing are distributed at Thanksgiving, and at Christmas additional food baskets, gifts and gift certificates for children and teens are provided to those in need.

Last year, over 300 families, which included more than 500 children, were able to benefit from the work of Caring and Sharing volunteers. Right Now: Caring and Sharing needs the community's assistance in acquiring enough food this year for the holiday distributions.

The U.S. mail carriers will not be collecting food as they have done in the past, and without their assistance the organization anticipates a huge gap in the food supply. Caring and Sharing is collecting food items for the Thanksgiving Distribution on Nov. 16 through 18.

The community can help with individual resources, talents, and physical labor. Food collection at churches, offices, businesses and clubs is strongly encouraged. The food helps many of the families with school age children who generally receive free breakfast and lunch in school. But when they are home for the holidays, this food helps to provide them with those essential meals and gives them a start to a nice holiday dinner.

After the food is collected, it is sorted on November 16 and 17. Distribution to registered clients will be on Sunday, November 18. Everyone is welcome to help with sorting, children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.

For more information, call 850-939-0727, or visit www.santarosacares.com.