By Carolyn Peplow
Lehigh Community Services would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone in the area that helps to make us the success we are!
Each month the number of individuals visiting our office increases, some for appointments, some for referrals and many for the food pantry. This year has seen a large increase in the food panty serving over 4,500 families so far; this couldn’t be done without assistance and donations from the community, civic organizations, local churches and foods from Harry Chapin Food Bank, Midwest Food Bank and Healthy Harvest Community Farms. Donations of non-perishable food items such as vegetables, meat, pasta, soup and beans, along with hygiene products are very welcome. Currently, peanut butter and jelly is one of the largest needs.
New at the food pantry: evening hours. The food pantry is open 3 days a week, Monday and Wednesday mornings from 8:45-11:15 am and Tuesday evening from 5:00 -7:30 pm. first time visitors are asked to bring their photo identification and proof of Lehigh Acres address.
Have some time on your hands? Lehigh Community Services is looking for a couple of dedicated volunteers that can assist in the food pantry, both morning and evening hours.
Lehigh Acres Backpack Giveaway 2019 was a great event held at the end of July in partnership with New Life Assembly, Christ United Methodist Church, Ryland Ciaccio, Kiwanis Club of Lehigh, Mothers Empowering Other Women and many more supporters. School Supplies and Back Packs were distributed to 700 students during the event.
As September starts Lehigh Community Services is preparing for our holiday outreach; registration for Thanksgiving will begin on October 28, 2019. Lehigh Community Services and area partners provide the food items to families to prepare their holiday meal. Donations both monetary and food for the meals, can be accepted Monday – Friday from 9 am – 5 pm at 201 Plaza Dr., Ste. 3
2019 will again see Lehigh Community Services partner with Salvation Army, the Lehigh Acres Senior Center and Presbyterian Homes to host the Santa’s Surprise for Seniors event in December, providing the local senior citizens with an awesome party, food, fun, games, giveaways and gifts.
LCS is a 501c3 organization; we proudly serve as the United Way House for Lehigh Acres and strive to be the best we can be by honoring our mission: Provide emergency services to residents of the community while promoting self-sufficiency. For more information or questions please feel free to contact us at (239) 369-5818.
