SYLACAUGA, Ala. – ‘Friends of SAFE’ is coordinating the fifth annual holiday food drive benefiting the Sylacauga Alliance for Family Enhancement (SAFE).
According to sources, poverty in south Talladega County, and more specifically Sylacauga, is a big issue.
- 19.3% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Talladega County, AL (16,119 out of 77,517 people) live below the poverty line
- 24.3% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Sylacauga, AL (3,223 out of 12,522 people) live below the poverty line
- The national poverty average is 14%.
Let that sink in.
Many times, some parents have to make the crucial decision of either a great holiday full of gifts, or a traditional holiday meal; often they can’t do both.
“Five years ago, myself, Demond Houser and Shannon Hughes decided to alleviate the food insecurity issue plaguing some for the holidays,” said Sylacauga native, Decorey Hale. “Every year, we feed between 50-100 families. SAFE provides us with the names, and we take care of the rest. It’s such an amazing feeling to be able to give back, and we look forward to this every year.”
Donations of food such as stove top stuffing/dressing, macaroni, canned green beans, canned yams and cranberry sauce are greatly needed.
Monetary donations are also being accepted via. PayPal ([email protected]) and Cashapp ($DeCoHale).
Donations can dropped off at SAFE or contact DeCorey Hale or Demond Houser for pickup.
“Let’s make this one the biggest yet,” said Hale.
*The annual Friends of SAFE Food Drive is a different event than the 5th Annual Stuff the Studio Food and Toy Drive benefiting Alabama Childhood Food Solutions and the Sylacauga Alliance for Family Enhancement.*