FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2005
Contact: Maureen Volpe 738-2000, ext. 6388
Avedisian announces start of holiday food program
This year, the city will partner with Westbay Community Action to increase efficiency, reach of program
Warwick – Mayor Scott Avedisian today announced the start of the 2005 annual Neighbors Helping Neighbors “ HOLIDAY BASKET 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, our Holiday Food Program has provided us with a wonderful opportunity to meet the needs of the community, and we are looking forward to its success again this year,” Avedisian said.
Due to recent cuts in Welfare and the Food Stamp programs and increases 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, residents will be eligible to receive assistance for one holiday only, either Thanksgiving or Christmas.
“I am pleased to announce that Westbay Community Action is partnering with the City of Warwick to act as a clearinghouse to avoid duplication and to accommodate all in need,” she said. “Westbay Community Action will also work with churches and organizations that are donating food baskets. This is a citywide effort, allowing Warwick Human Services and Westbay Community Action to work with the community to help people in need.”
Avedisian attributes the continuing 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: Ms. Maureen Volpe, Human Services Department, 3027 West Shore Road, Warwick, RI 02886.
If you are in need of a food basket or would like to donate non-perishable food items or a food basket , please call: Tiffany Giblin at Westbay Community Action, 732-4660 Ext. 139.
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