Caring Sharing asks for help in aiding the needy in South Walton

In the seven years Pennie Lucas has been working at Caring & Sharing of South Walton, she has seen an upswing in the number of people asking for help.

The week prior to Thanksgiving, Lucas helped volunteers Frankie and Ed Healy pack boxes of food for those in need. By Thanksgiving Day, the organization had given out 125 food boxes.

While this number is not an all-time high, co-manager Paula Clausen said it is high.

"We expect to give out at least that many for Christmas also," said Clausen.

"No one with a legitimate need gets refused," said Lucas. "We have seen an upswing in the number of needs during the holidays and in just regular needs."

In addition to food boxes, the organization also gives out toys for Christmas. This has been a tradition for the past dozen years.

"They must have a valid need, though," said Lucas. "They must show need through a Medicare card, food stamp card or free and reduced lunch form. And they must have proof of address that they live in South Walton. We help them with clothing and any real need."

In order to meet the increased holiday needs, Caring & Sharing is requesting donations of turkeys, hams, dressing, instant potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, green beans, cranberry sauce, broth, mushroom soup, canned peas, canned corn, and new toys.

The organization is located at the Nealley Business Village on Lynn Drive in Santa Rosa Beach. They are open from 9 a.m. - noon, Monday - Saturday. For more information call (850) 267-2866.