October 2, 2006 Contact: Sue Baker
For Immediate Release
WARWICK – Mayor Scott Avedisian today announced the start of the 2006 annual Neighbors Helping Neighbors “Holiday Food Program.” The city’s Department of Human Services is seeking the assistance of the Warwick community to help our needy families this holiday season by making donations to Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
Due to recent cuts in Welfare and the Food Stamp programs and increases in utilities, projections are that over 2,000 food baskets and gift certificates will be needed for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season this year.
Maureen Volpe, director of Human Services, said that due to the high number of requests anticipated this year, residents will be eligible to receive assistance for one holiday only, either Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Westbay Community Action will act as a clearinghouse to avoid duplication and to accommodate all in need. Westbay will also work with churches and organizations that donate food baskets.
Avedisian attributed the past success of this program to the outpouring of efforts by volunteers, the local business community, civic organizations, Warwick school children, Warwick city employees and area churches.
If you would like to make a donation to “Neighbors Helping Neighbors”: Monetary donations should be made payable to “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” and sent to Maureen Volpe, Warwick Human Services Department, 3027 West Shore Road, Warwick, 02886.
If you are need of a food basket or would like to donate non-perishable food items or a food basket, please call Nancy LeClerc at Westbay Community Action at 732-4660, ext. 139.