by Winnie Hsiu
May 16, 2012 3:49 PM
Because of the recession, many cities across the United States struggle to have enough monies to fund different services for their community. When the economy is bad, there is less money in the city coffers. Less money usually means fewer services. The Eastside Family Emergency Shelter in Baltimore is one such service that struggles to have enough money to fund its operations. Because of this, the shelter always welcomes donations.
During the month of May, the Overlea-Fullerton Business Professional Association (OFBPA) is supporting a food drive for the Eastside Family Emergency Shelter. (Fullerton Self Storage is a member of the OFBA.) The OFBPA has been supporting the shelter since February 2012.
Donna Bethke, president of OFBPA), recently sent her association a newsletter asking them to make donations to support the emergency shelter. She asked association members to drop off food donations at the Fullerton Self Storage. (Fullerton Self Storage is one of six drop-off locations in the city of Baltimore.)
Bethke suggested several items that people could donate. These items include:
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Children’s flavored cereal
- Canned fruits
- Canned vegetables
- Flour, sugar, brown sugar, salt
- Cake mixes and tubs of frosting
- Lunch snacks (such as snack packs, Jell-O, puddings)
The emergency shelter also has an immediate need for perishable food items and paper products such as plates, cups, plastic ware, and napkins. Milk, juice, eggs, frozen food, bread, and fresh meat is always in demand. The shelter can always use a gift card to the local Sam’s Club so they can buy perishable items and paper products. Individuals can also donate cash which will be used to buy these perishable goods.
The Eastside Family Emergency Shelter is a 150 bed emergency facility that provides shelter and food for homeless men, women, and children. It is the largest emergency shelter out of the 3 shelters that are available in Baltimore County. Over a combined total of 370 people are serviced daily at these three facilities. To be admitted to a shelter, people must first have a referral from Baltimore County Department of Social Services.
Fullerton Self Storage is part of a network of storage facilities managed by Mindful Storage. They provide storage for businesses that need space for extra office furniture, archived files, and extra inventory. They provide storage for individuals, families, college students, and seasonal residents. They also provide a free truck for first time customers when they move their items into a storage unit.
Sources Used:
“Business Association Continues Collection for Eastside Shelter.” Parkville-OverleaPatch; 15 May2012.
Community Action Network.
Fullerton Self Storage.