Although the need has increased, officials with the Community Services League are standing by their policy that no one will ever be turned away for assistance.
Officials at the agency claim a 10 to 15 percent increase in food needs, especially among their largest demographic groups: single mothers and the elderly and disabled, said Executive Director Sue Crumpton.
“More people are struggling to feed their families and get back and forth to their jobs,” she said. “It’s creeping into the lower middle class.” In addition, the job market is tight, as well.
“We have an increase in the number of people who never had to ask for help before – they may have been donors.”
The agency not only helps with food hand-outs to those who can demonstrate a need. Officials also help people with necessary supplies, such as uniforms or steel-toed boots, transportation to and from work until they receive a first paycheck and first-month’s liability insurance for those who work in fields such as home health care, Crumpton said.
“Our goal is self-sufficiency, so we try to knock down any barriers,” she said.
CSL has a wide base of volunteers, who logged more than 30,000 hours during 2007.
“We just couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers,” she said, of those who manage the food pantries and clothes closets at several area the following area outreach offices.
Those needing help can call an office to verify their residence, income and identification.
Offices are:
■ Independence – Services are available at the main office, 300 W. Maple Ave., 816-254-4100.
■ Fairmount in Independence– 800 S. Hardy, 816-254-0446;
■ Independence – Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, 14500 E. 39th St., 816-254-8209;
■ Blue Springs – 200 S.W. 10th St., 816-229-0033;
■ Buckner – 1001 S. Sibley, 816-249-5820;
■ Oak Grove –1408 S.E. Austin St., 816-690-8213.
CSL also requires year-round food donations. That need sharply increases during summer months when children are out of school and families don’t have access to school meals, Crumpton said. The agency also accepts donations of clothing, household items and cash.
