Brunswick Family Assistance needs your help now

For 27 years Brunswick Family Assistance has helped Brunswick County families by making sure they don’t go hungry or get cold and have a place to live.

It’s been a difficult journey—one spurred on by a dedicated staff, a devoted board of directors and countless giving community volunteers.

Throughout its history those willing to donate time, food and money to BFA has grown, but so has its need for services. So far this year, BFA officials say the need for their services has increased some 40 percent over the same time in 2007. And although donations have increased some 5 percent, it’s not enough to keep up.

Now the nonprofit organization faces a grim future. Operating in an about $40,000-$50,000 shortfall, BFA may have to drastically cut its services—or close its doors altogether—if it can’t come up with more money by mid-January.

BFA is a valuable community resource. In addition to funds raised by generous contributors, the organization has a knack for securing federal, state and community grants and contracts that otherwise wouldn’t be available for Brunswick County.

Two years ago, there was no housing program in the county, and now BFA can provide rent and mortgage crisis assistance as well as help homeless families and individuals find a place to call home.

BFA guides the federal food commodities program and operates a food pantry to make sure no family in the community goes hungry. This summer BFA launched its summer youth feeding program. Through it needy young boys and girls were fed breakfast and lunch—meals they otherwise might not have had.

In the coming weeks, many Brunswick County families will know the generosity of the organization as they take home gifts for Christmas that are collected and distributed through BFA.

BFA is a small organization with a big heart, and it needs your help more than ever. It is asking for community sponsors to help it through this difficult time.

Businesses are asked to make a $100 contribution, while individuals are being solicited for $50 each. But officials are quick to say they’ll take whatever they can get.

In challenging financial times for many, even the smallest donation can help. If you can’t make a financial contribution, there are food collection points in several locations throughout Brunswick County. Can you grab a can of food and drop it in? Are there some nonperishable foods in your pantry you don’t need? The folks at BFA would be glad to have it.

To learn more about BFA and how you can help, call the Shallotte office at 754-4766.