NIA Charlestown Nevis (May 23, 2013) –Social Worker at the Department of Social services Ms. Anesta Maynard called on members of the Nevis public to support the Department in its drive to set up a food and clothing pantry and donate readily to the cause.
Ms. Maynard told the Department of Information on May 23, 2013, that the Department of Social Services had seen an increase in the number of clients who were in need of emergency food and clothing and it was for that reason they decided to embark on the drive.
“At the Department of Social Services, we have been seeing an increase in cases where people are in need of food and clothing. We came up with the idea to have a pantry on hand so when persons come in, in emergency situations, and they may need food or clothing, that we can give them something immediately.
“We do provide assistance in terms of food vouchers and so forth but it may take a day or two for that to happen and we want to be able to give them something right away. So tomorrow in the Memorial Square from 10a.m. to 3p.m. we are asking persons to donate [unexpired] canned goods, non-perishable foods or clothing. The clothing could be new or used that are in good condition,” she explained.
According to Ms. Maynard, persons unable to come to the Square but who want to donate would have the opportunity to take them to the Department’s office.
“This is going to be a continuous activity to help build our supply. So persons who cannot make the donation tomorrow, you can still bring them next week or anytime after to the Department of Social Services and we are located at Lower Park Range,” she said.
The Social Worker said the initiative was intended to help clients and as such any contribution would be welcomed. Apart from the food and clothing drive they had also approached a number of supermarkets with written requests.
She added that the Department had planned to have similar drives possibly every two or three months in an effort to have stock on hand for clients.