CULLMAN, Ala. – The holidays are fast approaching, and for Cullman Caring for Kids, it’s the season to work harder. The Tribune sat down with Cullman Caring for Kids Executive Director Javon Daniel and talked about how the holidays impact the organization.
“We desperately need monetary assistance,” Daniel said. “Our food right now is okay, but our monetary donations are way down this year so far. Usually by this time they’re really picking up because of the holidays. I know it sounds like I’m begging for money, but to be honest with you, it’s a tough time right now.”
For the month of November, Cullman Caring for Kids has helped more than 600 families so far.
“We’re closed this Thursday and Friday, we won’t be open, and we were closed for Veterans Day, so two and a half days that we were closed because of holidays, and we’ve already done 675 families,” said Daniel. “We would have done well over 700 families this month under normal circumstances. That’s a lot of people. We’re trying very hard to make sure people get good nutritious food.”
Since June, the organization has helped more than 600 families each month.
Daniel said, “We love helping, we’re here to help and that’s what we want to do. We just need the community’s help to be able to be here and be able to continue to do it.”
He continued, “This month will be the largest month so far, and I like I said, we’re two and a half short because of the holidays. People are in need; they want to able to have a Thanksgiving meal and we do the best we can to provide for them. We can’t give them all the things that they would need, but we try to make sure. If we’ve got it, it’s available to them, it goes out. We’ll distribute probably close to 14 tons of food this month. This year so far, we’ve average between 12 and 14 tons per month. It’s always more around the holidays.”
Daniel said $50 pays for 700 pounds of food for the food bank. Always needed are cereal, dry goods or canned foods. The food bank will accept canned goods that have gone up to two years past their shelf date. Monetary donations can be sent to P.O. Box 698, Cullman, AL 35056 or made in person at 402 Arnold St. NE, Cullman, AL 35055.
“Whatever you donate is greatly appreciated,” said Daniel. “It makes a difference in the lives of people that need help and God will bless it.”
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