This month’s Giving Note sponsors are Brian Foss of First Home Mortgage, NMLS ID 448083 (web: Firsthome.com/brian-foss, email: bfoss@firsthome.com, tel: 304-261-9240) & Tara Sanders Lowe of Four State Real Estate (email: TaraSandersLowe@gmail.com, web: TaraLowe.BrightMLShomes.com, tel/txt: 304-283-8300).
Opportunities To Help In The Community
As we celebrate with family and friends this holiday season, we can also pause to lend support to the organizations and individuals who are helping those in need here in our own communities. The Observer welcomes suggestions on organizations to feature in our giving notes online — get in touch with us here to share your ideas.
Jefferson County Community Ministries
JCCM in downtown Charles Town recently reported that the demand in their food pantry has nearly doubled over the past six months. They accept donations of food, hygiene products, and clothing, as well as cash to fund their efforts to assist those in need. Volunteers are also welcome. Web: JCCM.us.
Shepherdstown Shares Food Pantry
The Shares pantry is open 3 days a week to serve the northern areas of Jefferson County. They accept donations of non-perishable food as well as cash to purchase meats, milk, and perishable items. They anticipate that both the demand and costs of these perishable items will continue to increase in the coming months. For December, Shares is collecting donations to fund holiday dinners for its clients (and to expand this program to additional families). $35 dollars funds one dinner. Facebook: @ShepherdstownShares.
Free Little Food Pantry
The Free Little Food Pantry is a recent addition to the Two Rivers Treads’ informal assistance program (the free coat rack in front of the store has been available for several years). Sarah Hodder, the project organizer, described it as a way to serve folks who are in temporary or unexpected need, “who might not be inclined to sign up for a more formal assistance program.” The pantry is a small refurbished newspaper box; bread and pasta are popular items – typically taken within a day. Hodder has a small request board on the box and posts about needs on social media. Follow @TwoRiversTreads on Facebook & Instagram; stop by the store at 400 S Mildred Street in Ranson to drop off items.
Red Cross Blood Drive
St. James Catholic Church (49 Crosswinds Dr, Charles Town) is hosting a blood drive organized by the American Red Cross on December 6. Donations by appointment only, between 1:30 and 7 pm. To schedule, visit RedCrossBlood.org – enter stjamescc in the “find a drive” box or call 800-733-2767.
By Staff Contributor