Sussex Outreach Services in Need of Volunteers and Donations

The Sussex Area Outreach Services is in great need of volunteers and donations this month, and its hoping Sussex residents will step up to the plate to help those less fortunate. 

, the director of SOS, says she finds the current needs to be consistant, so whether you donate a little or a lot, anything is appreciated.

"Together, we are helping single moms, seniors with limited income and the working poor who are underpaid or underemployed," Waltz said. "There were 437 families registered at the food pantry for food in 2011! With your help we fed over 10,000 people over the course of the year."

Waltz also outlined what donations have done for residents in the community. For example, a single mom with a young child at home graduated from a full time nursing program while working part time. SOS provided her with the books she needed each semester so she could reach her goal. 

SOS is Looking For:

• Cans of tuna or chicken
• Personal care items (shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, etc.)
• Toilet Paper (one of our biggest needs)
• Rice products (one of our biggest needs)
• Meal products (Manwich, Spaghettio's, Hamburger Helper, chili, etc.)
• Baking items (flour, sugar, cooking spray, salt, pepper, etc.)
• Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, etc.)
• Diapers and wipes (especially the bigger sizes)

"If you have a group that wants to make a big impact, choose one or two of these items to focus on," said Waltz. "We also have food barrels that we can deliver for food collection at your place of business."

Help at the Pantry

Beyond food and monetary needs, there are other volunteer opportunities at SOS. Waltz said the food pantry needs cleaning and organizing. In addition, the pantry needs a couple more volunteers who could help sort and organize donated clothing and houseware items. 

The resource center could also use additional volunteers. Waltz is looking for a volunteer to help in the morning, and volunteers to help organize, repair and clean. There are also some walls that need repairing and a few lights that need moving for the handier Sussex resident.  

"I am hoping to revitalize the office using our volunteers and donated items - a big impact with little cost," said Waltz. "Then perhaps an open house for the community."

Items can be dropped off at the pantry Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 12, Monday evening from 5:30 to 7 and Saturday from 10-12.  You can also email Jennifer Waltz if you're interested in volunteering.