To the Editor:

As we begin to think about the holiday season with friends and family, let’s think about the ones that are not so fortunate to be able to have a home-cooked meal with family and friends due to no jobs, no income or a limited income.

As a supporter of the St. James A.M.E. Church Helping Hands Food Pantry located on Highway 176 in Pomaria, I would like to ask that the community help the food pantry by donating food items, personal hygiene items for male and female, baby food, diapers, wipes, etc., non-perishable food items such as detergent (laundry and dishwashing), flour, sugar, mayonnaise, mustard, etc.

St. James A.M.E. Helping Hands Food Pantry is located on the grounds of the church in a block building. We were in the process of looking for a portable but now they have decided to add on to the building that is there. In order for this to happen, we need donations to help purchase materials so that we can start with the expansion of this building.

We are taking clothing items as well as heaters for the winter. We are looking for coats for all ages, male and female. We would even like to have space heaters or firewood donated so that the people who are unable to afford these items can try and stay warm this winter.

If you would like to donate items or even contribute a monetary gift to the Helping Hands food bank, please contact Melinda Long at 803-271-2735 (cell number) or if you are making a monetary gifts, checks can be made payable to the Helping Hands Food Bank, c/o Melinda W. Long, 1813 Peak Road, Pomaria, SC 29126.

Thank you for your support and I hope each and every one of you have a joyous and safe holiday season.

Melinda W. Long

Pomaria