HFS Seeks July Donations

The last days of July mean that time remains to help those in need through Hastings Family Service. All donations to Hastings Family Service in July receive a proportionate match from Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless. To date, a little over $12,000 has been raised. We were surprised with a $10,000 gift of stock at the beginning of July last year so we are a little behind last years totals, said Sutton. Stock gifts dont happen often, but they can be a great way for donors to make a big difference and also receive some tax benefits.
There is still plenty of time left in July and according to Sutton, every single dollar makes a difference. HFS can purchase food from Second Harvest Heartland at 14 cents/lb, so every $10 can buy 70 pounds of food and a gift of $30 can feed a family of three for a week. Summer tends to be a time of increased need at the food shelf because school is out, yet a time of decreased donations because people are busy with summer activities and vacations. The Summer Matching Challenge from Open Your Heart began five years ago to help food shelves bridge that gap. All gifts postmarked and checks dated by July 31st will qualify for the match. Online donations can be made at www.hastingsfamilyservice.org and must be made by midnight on July 31st. HFS is grateful to the community for keeping the food shelf stocked with great variety of foods that bring struggling families nutrition and relief.