Southwest Emergency Services Needs Your Help

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, 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.