by John Stevens
November 2, 2011 9:21 AM
The United States Department of Labor recently released a report that stated that in some areas of the country unemployment rates were slightly lower in September of this year than they were a year ago. However, there are many metropolitan areas reporting a jobless rate as high as 29 percent. Kodiak Mini Storage in Lake Wylie, South Carolina, recognizes the need to reach out to those who are jobless or who are in need and is participating in the 'Neighbors Helping Neighbors' program.
Kodiak Mini Storage is teaming up with the Lake Wylie Pilot, Bank of America-Lake Wylie, and the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce to collect items to help those less fortunate. Two-hundred toys were collected and distributed last year. However, Susan Broomfield, president of the Chamber of Commerce, said that the need is greater this year. Their goal is collect much more this year than they did last year.
Because of the slump in the economy, the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce is seeing a rising number of people in their community who are unemployed. The holiday season is especially hard for these families because they want to provide a little something for their children for Christmas but do not have the necessary resources.
The 'Neighbors Helping Neighbors' program is inviting everyone in the community who is able to participate in the program. Schools, churches, businesses, and families are encouraged to find ways to help out. One of the best ways is to donate unwrapped new toys for children of all ages up to young teenagers of the age of 14.
Food donations are also welcomed. Canned goods and non-perishable items such as soups, peanut butter, canned meat, pastas, and canned vegetables are items that are especially needed.
There is also a need for winter wear to be donated. New coats, gloves, hats, and scarves in all sizes can also be dropped off. Donations can be taken to Kodiak Mini Storage, 4560 Charlotte Highway, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Donations can be delivered at the Bank of America at Mill Creek Commons from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and on Friday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Donations will be accepted through December 20. For further information or answers to questions, call 803-831-2827 or 803-831-8166.
Sources Used:
"Time to Pitch In." Lake Wylie Pilot; 1 November 2011.
Kodiak Mini Storage South Carolina.
United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Economic News Release; 2 November 2011.