Southwest Emergency Services Needs Your Help
Pantry is bare at community's safety net.
Southwest Emergency Services (SWES), a nonprofit group based at Arbutus United Methodist Church, is in desperate need of food for hungry families in the 21227 zip code.
"Our pantry is empty," said director Betty Okonski. "We don't even have peanut butter."
The economy is bad, hitting Maryland worse than the national average. While organizations like the Maryland Food Bank can help, SWES is unique in several ways.
SWES is based in Arbutus, helping people in the Arbutus area. Aside from providing food in emergencies, SWES also assists people facing eviction, utility cut-off and other crises. More than 95 percent of funds received by SWES goes directly to those in need.
But at the moment, Okonski said, the problem isn't money. The problem is food. She would rather not spend donated money to buy food, but food donations haven't kept up with demand.
If you are able, set aside a can or two of food for SWES the next time you're shopping.
The food items most in need are spaghetti sauce and noodles, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, soups, hamburger/tuna helper and breakfast foods.
SWES is located at 1201 Maple Avenue, 410-247-8154. They will gratefully accept donations of any kind in any amount.
If you are unable to deliver food to SWES, contact Arbutus Patch and we'll make arrangements to have it picked up for you.
Alicia Knecht
11:25 pm on Wednesday, September 14, 2011
I will be going through my canned food in the morning!
Patti Sue Nolan
6:47 am on Thursday, September 15, 2011
There will also be a box at the Arbutus Farmers Market today from 2-6. Drop you donations in there and I will take it to SWES in the morning!
Linda Blackwell
1:38 pm on Thursday, September 15, 2011
When SWES goes to the Maryland Food Bank they must pay for the food they get, it is not donated/given to them. So if you personally donate food to the Food Bank you are putting a squeeze on SWES because they have to pay at least 40 cents a pound for food. Believe me, the cost adds up and then there are no funds to help folks facing some sort of financial crisis. SWES gives the food away to those in need, they have an excellent system in place to interview folks and determine their needs. If every member of every church that supports SWES in the 21227 community could bring just 1 can, 1 box of cereal, 1 jar of suace or box of pasta to their Sunday service, SWES would not be in such dire need. Just bring
Linda Blackwell
1:40 pm on Thursday, September 15, 2011
1 thing that's all Betty asks. Help your neighbor, even if you do not know their name. Thank you & God Bless
Diane Connelly
5:18 pm on Thursday, September 15, 2011
There are 19 (I think) local churches that support SWES. I agree with Linda. If every member would bring in one food item every week, we could certainly helop those in our community in need. in addition - if every community member who reads this article brought in one item - the shelves would certainly be full. Please prayfully consider it. God Bless!
Jay Schaefer
7:33 am on Friday, September 16, 2011
The local Scouts have a food drive scheduled for October. They will be placing bags and flyers on or about October 15 with a pickup on October 22. All food collected goes directly to SWES.
Patti Sue Nolan
8:46 am on Friday, September 16, 2011
I am so glad to hear the Scouts donate their food to SWES! It makes so much more sense to give to the donations right to our community as noted above by Ms. Blackwell. The Arbutus Farmers Market collected several bags of goods, and will have a box there next week too. Thanks to all that brought donations this week.
Tara
8:35 am on Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Please consider having your scout groups bring in 1 can/box a week to their weekly meeting that will help as well. Post 109 Scouts are starting this next week, they have asked everyone (kids and parents) to bring in something each week and they will deliver the food the next day. Please consider implementing this idea and/or passing it along.