NEEDS - News December 2014

NorthEast Emergency Distribution Services (NEEDS)

NEWS: December 2014
NEEDS Receives Sweet 16 Gifts
“My whole life I’ve known that NEEDS is our local food bank,” explained Kathryn Burress a junior at Cincinnati Country Day School. “When it was time to plan my Sweet 16 Birthday Party, I didn’t want gifts. Rather, my invitation specified that if my guests wished to bring anything to my party, they should bring canned goods for the NEEDS Food Pantry.”

Kathryn Burress is a beautiful example of a young adult in our community who places strong emphasis on giving to others. At her school service is encouraged. Kathryn’s party was an evening of delightful teen fun with the simple act of giving to others as the gift to Kathryn. Her party collected over 70 items for the NEEDS Food Pantry.

“My friends thought bringing a gift of canned goods was pretty cool. One friend went crazy bringing two bagfuls. I was so honored by his gift. Afterwards I heard my friends say they thought it was nice to bring something different to a party,” stated Kathryn.

“At school I’m involved in theatre and I belong to a number of school clubs. My friend started the Everyone Loves Pizza Club. It’s a club where we review pizza restaurants and each semester we donate pizza to local hospitals and organizations like Cincinnati Children’s Hospital where we can lift spirits. I’ve seen our deliveries be the highlight of someone’s day.”

The North East Emergency Distribution Services (NEEDS) is a community of 25 churches and civic organizations whose mission is to do God’s work through caring for their neighbors by providing basic emergency assistance. NEEDS is an all-volunteer cooperative located in the Kenwood Baptist Church. NEEDS does not receive government support. The NEEDS board oversees an active foodbank, as well as provides neighbors-in-need with housing and utility payment assistance. During the year NEEDS supports local schools through school supply and clothing drives. NEEDS serves more than 2,500 people in northeastern Hamilton County. It is the NEEDS food pantry that serves to help our neighbors who face family food shortages.

Kathryn’s birthday party canned goods drive is just one example of how neighbors can support NEEDS. There are many in our community who would prefer a donation made in their honor rather than receiving a present for themselves - ask yourself, do I really need another gift or would I rather share with those who have less than I? In addition to canned goods and non-perishables, community members can also support NEEDS monetarily. Ask your church or civic organization if its part of the community that support NEEDS; there is always room for more volunteers however you choose to help.

Kathryn looks forward to attending college with the goal of becoming an English teacher. Imagine the example she will set for her students; she is truly a gift to NEEDS and our community.

The NEEDS food pantry is located at the Kenwood Baptist Church, 8341 Kenwood Road, 45236 and is open Tuesday and Thursdays from 9 am – 1 pm. Donations of canned goods and other items are always accepted at the NEEDS food pantry. Monetary gifts can be mailed to: NEEDS, 8341 Kenwood Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45236. For pick-up of donated items or to ask questions please call (513) 891-0850 (NEEDS) or checkout NEEDS website: http://www.cincyneeds.org/

Kathryn Burress of Madeira with a few of her Sweet 16 birthday gifts for NEEDS.

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