A massive statewide initiative has begun to raise $100,000 and 400,000 pounds of food to address a continuing demand for health and human service programs in Delaware this winter.
Delaware Does More is a collaboration among local nonprofits, businesses, schools, faith-based organizations and others to help Delawareans with immediate needs for food, shelter and utilities. It is jointly administered by United Way of Delaware and Food Bank of Delaware. Dedicated supporters include Bank of America.
Delaware Does More kicked off with simultaneous events at the Food Bank of Delaware warehouse in Milford and Kingswood Community Center in Wilmington. At both locations, the Food Bank held a mobile food pantry, giving out 30-pound boxes of food, and Horizon Services and Delmarva Power provided information about heating and utility assistance programs.
Delaware Does More will end Feb. 28, 2010. To achieve its goals, the initiative is relying on members of the community to run fundraisers and food drives.
Last year, between the winter and summer installments of Delaware Does More, the community raised more than 1.8 million pounds of food and over $377,000. But as layoffs steadily increase, the community need is continuing to mount. As winter approaches, these needs are becoming more urgent.
“This is a community effort in response to a continuing, dire need,” said Michelle A. Taylor, president and CEO of United Way of Delaware. “Our neighbors are struggling right now. Social service agencies are flooded with new clients, and they cannot meet this need without our help.”
Patricia D. Beebe, president and CEO of Food Bank of Delaware, said that the success of Delaware Does More is essential to the well-being of thousands of Delawareans. “Everyone deserves food to eat and a warm, safe place to stay,” she said. “Delawareans stepped up to help their neighbors last year, and we are hopeful that they will continue to be generous. Our neighbors depend on us.”
For more information on fundraisers, contact United Way of Delaware at 302-573-3762 or visit uwde.org. For more information on food drives, contact the Food Bank of Delaware at 302-294-0194, or visit fbd.org.
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