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Published on: 12/3/2007
Last Visited: 12/4/2007
All food will be given on a first come - first served basis, said Carl Harmon, director of Caring and Sharing.Applicants will have to bring proof of income to qualify.One person must have $750 per month or less, and two or more in the family have $1100 or less to obtain the Christmas package.No one will be allowed to pick up any for others.Harmon says the giveaway is an effort to make the holidays better for those who are struggling to pay bills.The agency now helps about 450 families per month, mostly elderly people, with help on utility and fuel bills. Harmon says about $20,000 was paid on electric bills in Williamsburg County and about $13,000 in Georgetown County this year.There has also been some help with fuel bills and medications for elderly people.In addition the food bank has distributed about $20,000 in food for people in Williamsburg, Georgetown and part of Horry Counties.Harmon noted that the agency normally works with elderly and disabled people, but that, at Christmas time, they have provided gift packages to children of the disabled.Normally this would be mostly clothing, with one toy per child, but this year he said, a gift from Toys for Tots will enable them to provide additional toys.Harmon says the agency has experienced the biggest and best year so far.The need continues to grow, and the agency seeks to expand its area of assistance.Harmon hopes that someday the agency will be able to work statewide.Anyone who wishes to assist the agency as a volunteer or to contribute may reach Caring and Sharing at PO Box 910, Hemingway, SC 29554, or telephone 558-7966.Usually phone callers will need to leave a message with a callback number, Carl said.