Rotary Club president Ford Thigpen welcomed our guest from our local nonprofit food pantry the Helping Hands of Paulding County. Mrs. Reva Burks, Executive Director for Helping Hands was introduced by Justin Fuller of Hardy Automotive. Mrs. Burks assumed responsibilities of the director in 2016 after having served as the food pantry manager. Mrs. Burks has continued to provide the drive for her volunteers to continually meet the demand in Paulding County of those who need basic assistance.
Mrs. Burks was excited to address Rotary club members once again. She thanked everyone for the continued support. She also recounted with them the recent and rainy Christmas Parade experience. Mrs. Burks highlighted the growth that Helping Hands has experienced since its beginnings in 1987. Started by five churches approximately 31 years ago, Helping Hands has been able to provide 6,000 families with basic food needs (as of October 2018) this year. By the end of this year Helping Hands of Paulding County will have distributed over 1 million pounds of food to local residents. Helping Hands also has a clothing center and provides other resources, such as life skills training and classes.
The growth of this Christian-based nonprofit community resource Center could not have happened without donations from local churches, businesses, and caring individuals. Recently, Facebook and PayPal provided a donation matching fundraiser opportunity for Helping Hands. Additionally, Hardy Family Automotive Group continues to offer donation funds matching as well. In addition to financial contributions, local food retailers have also increased their contributions. Local food donations now include Walmart, Kroger, Publix, Target, Sprout's Farmers Market, in addition to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Donations have increased from local food retailers over the years providing more food items to be available at the local pantry. Even with this increase Helping Hands has had to close due to lack of available food items.
Mrs. Burks continued that needs still persist and in addition to financial contributions, Helping Hands desperately needs volunteers. Local food retailers provide food but expected to be picked up at certain hours. Drivers for the refrigerated truck are desperately needed to pick up these resources and bring them back to the food pantry. Other volunteer opportunities are available.
After taking questions from the Rotary club members, Mrs. Burks thanked them for the time and continued support. Club president Ford Thigpen presented Mrs. Burks with a $1000 check is a donation to the organization. Helping Hands of Paulding County is located at, 228 W Spring St, Dallas, GA 30132. Hours: Monday thru Friday, 09:30 am to 2:30 pm. Telephone: (770) 443-1230, Email Address: and website: hhpcga.org