The “Holiday Food Drive” for Helping Hands of Cadiz has already raised more than $9,500 in cash, as well as three pallets and five buggies of non-perishable foods — in what will be another busy Christmas and New Year’s Day for the non-profit organization.
Long-time Helping Hands Board Member Phil Graham said while the number of families visiting the active food bank hasn’t been as frequent as of late, that will undoubtedly change — as the holidays always prove to be a more difficult time to navigate cost and hunger.
Graham said Helping Hands — which uses 100% of its tax-deductible donations for the pantry and Bargain Barn, and not its volunteers — spent nearly $45,000 in keeping its shelves stocked through 2020 and into 2021, and it’s a cost they expect to be similar in 2022.
Prior to the pandemic, Graham said the food pantry annually provided more than 240 families with meals and goods through the winter months — and as federal assistance wanes through 2022 and 2023, families with needs will return, and the organization wants to be prepared.
The 501-C3 organization also needs volunteers almost as much as cash donations, as Graham noted the coronavirus pandemic really changed their labor force for the worse.
Graham added that the Helping Hands organization has kept him alive — kept him younger — because the volunteering helps him stay active in the local community.
Helping Hands Chairman K.G. Ariagno, who’s been with the organization 25 years next February, said the idea is to get families back on their feet in times of stress and need — and that, sometimes, those families come back later to “pay it forward” and help others.
She also added that not one bit of the food donated will go to waste.
Beth Mann, President and CEO of the Edge Media Group, has personally challenged Cadiz Rotarians and local business owners to donate up to $500 to the organization this winter — which she will match.
Mailed donations can be sent to Helping Hands of Trigg County, PO BOX 1874, Cadiz, KY 42211.
