October 9, 2007 Contact: Sue Baker
For Immediate Release or Maureen Volpe, 468-4102
Avedisian announces start of annual Neighbors Helping Neighbors holiday program
WARWICK – Mayor Scott Avedisian today announced the start of the 2007 annual Neighbors Helping Neighbors holiday food program. The Department of Human Services is seeking the assistance of the Warwick community to help needy families this holiday season by making donations to “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.”
“For many years, the Neighbors Helping Neighbors program has helped the city and its non-profit partners to ensure that all of our citizens have a happy holiday season,” Avedisian said. “Unfortunately, due to a variety of factors, we are anticipating an increased need for baskets this year. We truly appreciate our residents’ prior generosity and thank them in advance for their support of the program again this year.”
Due to recent cuts in state and federal assistance programs and an increase in utilities costs, projections are that over 2,000 food baskets and gift certificates will be needed for the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday Season this year.
Director of Human Services, Maureen Volpe, said that “due to the high number of requests this year, our residents will be eligible to receive assistance for one holiday only, either Thanksgiving or Christmas.”
Avedisian attributes the ongoing 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, RI 02886. Non-perishable food items may be dropped off at: Pilgrim Senior Center, 27 Pilgrim Parkway or Buttonwoods Community Center, 3027 West Shore Road.
Residents who are in need of a basket, or know someone who is, are asked to call Warwick Human Services at 468-4101 or 468-4102.