Leeds Outreach Newsletter Feb 2016:

Growing by Leaps and Bounds

We started 2015 with two commercial freezers and a commercial refrigerator. We had overwhelming response to a fundraiser for these purchases.  This has been a tremendous addition to our organization as we are now able to provide fresh foods.

We continue to be amazed by the unbelievable support Leeds Outreach receives.  We would not be in operation without the local churches, businesses and individuals faithfully contributing to us financially year round.

We also receive food donations from many.  We receive “penny items” people don’t want for themselves, weekly specials and surplus coupon bargains.  Donations like these helps reduce the amount we have to spend on food.

Who We Serve

We serve those living in the city limits of Leeds making 150% or less of the US Poverty Level.  For a family of four that is $36,375 a year.  We have grandparents raising grandkids, single mothers not receiving court appointed child support, and many that don’t have family to fall back on when hardship hits.

Questions or Comments?

205-699-7291
leedswelfare@yahoo.com
Follow us on Facebook
www.facebook.com/Leeds-Outreach

Leeds Outreach Newsletter Feb 2016

Feeding America

Several years ago we took the steps to be eligible to purchase food from the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama.  They are a branch of the United Way and fall under the Feeding America umbrella.

This partnership has been a wonderful resource for us.  We are now able to purchase food for 16 cents a pound which has given us the ability to provide healthy foods we otherwise would not be able to afford.

They also opened the door for us to pick up food weekly from local retailers.  This gave us the ability to begin a program to distribute this food immediately and serve 50-70 families every Wednesday.

Facts and Figures

In 2015 we:

·       Provided a weeks supply of food 524 times (this does not include our Tues/Thurs program or Wed program)

·       Provided utility assistance 258 times

·       Spent 27.5% of our budget on food, Christmas and School Supplies

·       Spent over 70% of our budget on utility and prescription assistance

·       Found sponsors to provide a complete Christmas for 165 children and provided for an additional 27 kids from extra donations of clothing and toys

·       Provided school supplies and fees for 123 Leeds City School kids

·       Less than 2.5% of our budget was spent on things other than direct client support. (stamps, computers, insurance, etc)

Leeds Outreach Newsletter Feb 2016

A huge thank you to Masonic Lodge 446 and our Wednesday crews for tirelessly picking up food each week.  Thanks to our volunteers that help with food distribution every week and our office and pantry staff that meet our client’s needs four days a week.  But, none of this would be possible without our generous donors.

[hr]

This message is brought to you by the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce. For more information about Leeds, Alabama, the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce and how the Chamber can support your business, please contact Sandra McGuire, Executive Director, at 205.699.5001 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com.