County groups give during the holidays
By Steve Lee
Sports Editor
LAND O’ LAKES — The inaugural Christmas Open House hosted by the Suncoast Harvest Food Bank and Clara’s Closet went over so well that it has become an annual event.
Liz Fields, the food bank’s executive director, said more than $1,000 was raised last year. She expects that amount to increase at this year’s open house.
Christmas trees, ornaments and various holiday items will be sold Dec. 11 and 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The food bank is located at 5829 Ehren Cutoff in Land O’ Lakes.
Thrift store manager Chuck Capo said more money is needed to offset this year’s higher demand for food, clothing and furniture.
“It is a challenge,” Capo said. “There’s an increasing need for us, because people are unemployed and have had wage cuts.”
For the unemployed or families in financial crisis, holiday dinners are sometimes unaffordable. That’s where the food bank helps.
“This time of year is extremely difficult for people,” Fields said. “They kind of feel if they don’t have a turkey dinner they’ve lost all their dignity.”
Capo noted that while people have been grateful for the holiday dinners, clothing is needed year-round and appreciated just as much.
“We just go through a phenomenal amount of clothing,” Capo said. “The (need for) clothing is just ongoing.”
Fields said she sees the gratitude in those helped by the food bank who give back when they’re financial situations improve.
“Some come back when they’re in better shape and volunteer for us,” she said.
The food bank, founded by Clara Lawhead in 1991 at the former site of the Warren Fruit Packing Company in Land O’ Lakes, serves Pasco, Hernando, Citrus and Sumter counties through 160 community- and faith-based agencies.
With an inventory of about 300,000 pounds of high-quality, nutritious food products maintained, the facility dispersed 3.8 million pounds of food and personal/household care products in 2008.
“Those numbers will probably increase by 25 to 30 percent this year,” Fields said.
Suncoast Harvest does not have the market cornered when it comes to helping needy families, especially during the holidays. Count eight east Pasco Rotary Clubs among the givers.
Eight Rotary Clubs (two each in Dade City, Zephyrhills and Wesley Chapel; along with San Antonio and Land O’ Lakes groups) united to make enough food bags to feed 400 families. Each club will distribute 50 bags in their area just before Christmas.
