Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Gaithersburg HELP 101

Gaithersburg HELP is one of the organizations under the umbrella of Social Ministry. It was founded in 1968 by concerned clergy to meet basic emergency needs of individuals and families in the Gaithersburg area.

Now, more than two dozen congregations, along with individuals, local businesses and civic organizations, the city of Gaithersburg join to assist over 2500 needy families each year. This is done by about 200 volunteers who provide a 3-day supply of emergency food, transportation to medical appointments, diapers, formula, prescriptions, and assistance for rent and utility payments as well as referrals for clothing, furniture, and other programs for which clients may be eligible. Gaithersburg HELP has no paid staff - remarkable for an organization with a budget of $186,000. Essentially all contributions are applied directly in support of HELP clients or to maintain the food pantry.

You can help in several ways: (in order of need)

  • Volunteer your time during weekdays if your schedule permits

 

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  • Give a monetary contribution to provide perishable items such as cheese, margarine, eggs, carrots and frozen juices.

 

  • Bring non-perishable food in cans or boxes and place in HELP box outside of office door. (We have lots of veggies and soups right now but need peanut butter, jelly, tuna, beef stew, canned chicken, spaghetti sauce, pasta and rice) Also, bring large paper sacks.

 

  • Find out what your employer is willing to provide for HELP (a 501c3 organization) by way of free printing, food drives, time off to volunteer, or a matching contribution.
  • Contribute through CFC/United Way #8432

For more information, call 301-216-2510 or
visit the Gaithersburg HELP web site.