With the support of its faithful partners, donors, and volunteers, Caring & Sharing of South Walton was able to distribute Thanksgiving meals to over 360 families in Walton County. Each family received a standard bag of food from their pantry, a Thanksgiving specific bag, and a gift card designated for the purchase of a turkey, ham, or produce. These efforts provided close to 1,000 bags of food and $9,000 in gift cards to the community.
This year, the organization’s distribution took place using a “drive-thru” model allowing them to serve a record number of families. This model was implemented in March allowing Caring & Sharing to continue safely serving families in need despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
“2020 has been a tough year for a lot of the families we serve. Our team worked hard to ensure that every family that came through our door was offered a Thanksgiving meal,” said Carly Harmer, Executive Director of Caring & Sharing of South Walton. “Our organization is committed to helping our neighbors in need get through the tough times they are facing now and in the future. In 2020 we have provided more support to our community than we have in the 26 years we have been operating.”
Caring & Sharing’s Thanksgiving program was possible this year thanks to the generous support of Chapel at the Beach, Driftwood Estates, Grayton Seafood Co., Live 30a Real Estate, Seagrove Garden Club, Shore Thing Cigars, Southeastern Sash and Door, Speciality Roofers, St. Rita’s Catholic Church, Good News United Methodist Church, Community Church of Santa Rosa Beach, Point Washington United Methodist, The Fellowship on 30A, Chapel at Crosspoint, and many others.
With Christmas just around the corner, Caring & Sharing’s annual Angel Tree Program plans to distribute gifts to 400 children. A big thank you to the South Walton Fire District for sponsoring and coordinating gifts for over 160 children in South Walton. Though every registered child has been sponsored at this time, community members can still help to provide a memorable Holiday to neighbors in need. Please contact Carly Harmer at carly@caringandsharing.org to learn more about getting involved.
###
Caring & Sharing of South Walton provides food and financial assistance to our neighbors in need through the support of our community. Founded in 1994, the organization serves more than 1,000 individuals each month.
Caring & Sharing provides food, clothing, prescription, rent, and utility assistance to individuals in need Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The organization also works to connect clients with other resources in our community and has recently brought in two on-site social workers.
Caring & Sharing also operates a Thrift Store that generates funds for its various programs and operating expenses. The store is currently open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Donations of clothing, furniture, and household accessories are accepted Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., pick up can be arranged for larger items.
Visit www.caringansharingsowal.org to learn more about the organization and the services they provide to low income Walton County residents.
