Care and Share of Erie County
Care and Share of Erie County
What Does Care and Share Need Most?
The mission of Care and Share is to serve residents of Erie County who qualify for assistance under Federal guidelines. Care and Share distributes food, clothing, furniture, appliances, household goods, bedding and linens, and an array of children's toys at no cost to clients.
Clients are given one week's supply of foods per month. Clothing is given twice a month. Linens are given on a monitored amount and frequency. Furniture and appliances are given on a monitored need according to supply.
Care and Share is a public, 501(c)3 non-profit agency founded in Sandusky, Ohio, in 1974. The agency is governed by an Executive Board and an Executive Director. Funding comes from churches, a Jewish Temple, businesses, local Foundations, and a host of compassionate, generous individuals. The last census report of Erie County revealed that 14% of the residents were under the federal poverty level. That translates to 11,100 of our neighbors. Due to the current economic factors depressing the area, these stats are on a steady increase. Our fiscal year just closed June 30, 2009. A total of 28,459 individuals were served through our Pantry - an average of 2,371 per month. This is an increase of 22% over the past year. Children living with the reality of hunger made up 43% of those served. As a forecast of our future demand in July '09, we served an increase of 35% over June '08. In addition to the thousands of pounds of donated foods, and the free foods received from the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Ohio, we spent $136,537.00 for food last fiscal year.
Care and Share is located at 241 Jackson Street inside the building of First Presbyterian Church. The hours of operation are Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.; and Fridays from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Donations are gratefully accepted during this time. We are also open on the first and third Saturday from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. for CONTRIBUTIONS ONLY.
For more information call 419.624.1411 or e-mail at careandshareerie@sbcglobal.net.