Any responsible family provider knows that a few basic needs come first: food and shelter. 

The unfortunate reality of life is that many families encounter times when having enough food becomes difficult. 

That’s where Cullman Caring for Kids has become such an important part of our community’s good will and character.

When The Times reported online Tuesday and in Wednesday’s print publication that Cullman Caring for Kids was in desperate need of donations to restock its shelves, people across the area came forward to help. 

Led by a generous donation of $5,000 from the Cullman Savings Bank Foundation, the assurance that qualified local families would be able to have a good supply of food was once again was realized.

Cullman Caring for Kids Executive Director Javon Daniel said donations of money and food were made throughout the day, a trend he hopes continues. The shortage at the food bank occurred because of a communication error that caused a large collection of food to be shipped to Birmingham. 

But the community has come forward to ensure that this organization can continue its mission.

Shane Quick and his partners in Rock the South were also up to the challenge, delivering additional money to assist with filling the shelves.

As Quick noted during an interview, Cullman Caring for Kids makes us realize that even in an area with plentiful food supplies and low unemployment, hunger and financial shortages are an issue many families struggle against every day.

Organizations like the Cullman Lions Club have long supported the food bank and encourage people to give what they can to keep this service running. United Way of Cullman also includes Cullman Caring for Kids as one of the agencies it assists.

The food bank provides help to about 650 families in Cullman County each month. Some of the families only need assistance once or twice, but new ones appear at different times. 

The summers have becoming increasingly busy and the food bank has seen over 700 families some months.

While the organization is devoted to stopping child abuse through educational efforts, the food bank associated with the nonprofit operation plays a key role in helping local families weather challenging times. 

The families come from all over the county for food and even some supplies to help with infants and toddlers.

To all those who have stepped up to assist Cullman Caring for Kids, we join Daniel and his staff in saying thank you. 

We encourage area residents and business leaders to continue bringing their support to the food bank. 

This service is for children and local families and greatly appreciated throughout our community.