Cullman Caring for Kids has long been helping families in the community to make ends meet through its food bank.

Wednesday, people across the Cullman area and beyond came forward to give assistance back to the nonprofit agency.

Donations of varying amounts poured in, including a $5,000 boost from the Cullman Savings Bank Foundation, after an article in The Times reported a critical shortage of food at the agency.

“It’s been a big day,” Cullman Caring for Kids Executive Director Javon Daniel said. “We’re not to the point we can replace what we didn’t get, but we’re getting there. You couldn’t ask for a better community to live in than Cullman. The people here are so caring and have a heart for others who are struggling.”

An annual food drive by local postal carriers has for years has assisted the food bank meet summer demands. This year, however, a new driver from Birmingham mistakingly took the food to Jefferson County and it was given to another charity.

“The postal carriers in Cullman did an excellent job. It’s not their fault and they always do a great job. It’s a one-time mistake that did not originate at the post office here. We’re all just trying to get what’s needed to meet the needs of our local families,” Daniel said.

Rock the South founder Shane Quick and his partners also stepped in Wednesday to make a donation to the food bank.

“We’ve learned a lot about Cullman Caring for Kids with them being one of Rock the South’s recipients this year,” Quick said. “They give so much to our community and we wanted to be a part of this when they needed help. That’s what Cullman does. One thing Cullman Caring for Kids is showing us is that a lot people have needs, even in an area that is blessed as top agricultural county in Alabama and one of the lowest unemployment rates. God gives us opportunities to help others.”

Daniel said residents brought canned and packaged goods as well as money throughout the day to get the food bank in a position to continue its mission of helping local families.

“We even had donations from other counties, cities and states today,” Daniel said.

The need of local families has been on the rise in recent years. Where the food bank once provided assistance to 550 families per month, the number has risen to 650 families. The trend became particularly noticeable last August when 711 families sought assistance.

Daniel said the food bank has already provided help more than 400 families in the first seven days of June.

“We are so grateful for the money donations and food coming in. We hope people will continue to give so that we can meet the demands,” Daniel said.

Cullman Caring for Kids may be contacted at 256-739-1111. The office is located at 402 Arnold St. NE.

 

David Palmer may be contacted at 256-734-2131, ext. 116.