To the Editor:
    Morgan County: Governor Sonny Perdue recently proclaimed April 25, “Helping Hands and Linking Arms Day”. This statewide day of service encourages local citizens, community organizations, businesses, and churches to share in the effort of providing service to those in need. Beginning April 10 the Madison Branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints will be promoting and assisting food collections from all individuals or businesses as well as any civic or religious groups who wish to participate. The food drive will culminate on Saturday, April 25 where all food items collected will be delivered and sorted on behalf of The Caring Place.
    The Madison Morgan County Caring Place works to feed the needy, working poor, seniors, and young children in our local area. As of January 2009 an average of 100 needy families were visiting The Caring Place each week is in need of food. These are not the same families every week as there are limitations on the number of visits in a month. Last Friday saw 144 families enter the doors in dire need. As the economy worsens these numbers are sure to increase. This food bank outreach is a vital part of keeping our community “linked” together.
    We will be distributing flyers all around the county and drop off boxes are currently located at these generous businesses: Carolyn’s Copy Corner, 257 North Main Street, Attic Treasures, 121 South Main Street, Gussie’s House of Flowers, 136 West Jefferson Street, and The Morgan County Citizen, 235 South Main Street. These drop boxes for donated food items will also be available at various other establishments around the county. Thanks to the cooperation of the Board of Education boxes will be placed at each of the Morgan County Schools.
    The mission of this day of service is to link our arms and strengthen local communities with meaningful service projects that will beautify communities, build friendships, help those in need, and bolster the spirits of all.
    Please join us in our efforts to inform the community of this proclamation given by our governor and help us to link the arms and hearts of our precious Morgan County.
    Community members are encouraged to participate as we help provide means for our food bank to continue to serve the hungry.
    We also invite any that would like to join in the gathering and distribution, as we are certain this will be a rewarding experience.
    If you or your organizations are interested in participating please contact Karl Fossum at (706) 557-1676.
Karl Fossum
Branch President
Madison Branch.
Via E-mail

PRINTED IN THE APRIL 16, 2009 EDITION