Mrs. Reva Burks, the Director for Helping Hands of Paulding County visited the Paulding County Rotary Club with an update and progress report.

Mrs. Burks shared some statistics about Paulding County and the reach of Helping Hands within the community. About 14% of Paulding County households face food insecurity. 81% of those insecure households report choosing between paying for food or transportation within the past 12 months. Additionally, 73% of insecure households report choosing between paying for food or utilities within the past 12 months. And 43% of these people face this decision every month.
Since its founding, 30 years ago, Helping Hands of Paulding County has grown into a dynamic alliance of churches, agencies, businesses, civic groups, and generous individuals. Helping Hands serves people in our community who desperately need help. In 2016 we fed 14,738 people dispensing 740,000 pounds of food and nonfood items. This was possible with the help of our volunteers who contributed 12,000 hours of their time. Our goal for 2017 is to provide 1 million pounds to those in our community who desperately need help.
We strive to improve the quality of life for our community and to actively fulfill God's plan to feed and close the hungry. Each year we make strides in expanding our reach in the community and increasing the resources that we provide. We see neighbors in our community hurting and we want to help.
Helping Hands of Paulding County is a nonprofit organization, we rely on generous friends in the community to support our efforts. We hope that you will choose to support and sponsor Helping Hands as an investment in the future of our community. All donations of time resources and money are greatly appreciated. With our partner the Atlanta community Food Bank we have the opportunity to purchase food items at a great discount. We pay an average of $.16 per pound. $260 can equal as much as 5000 pounds worth of food items.
Mrs. Burks thanked the Rotary club members for allowing her the opportunity to provide information about the progress that Helping Hands is making in the community. She answered questions and related that there is a need for drivers. As some volunteers are retiring, there is a need for drivers willing to pick up food the local Publix and Target. Also, she reminded everyone that their next fundraiser would be a Silent Auction 6 PM on August 18th at Rose Hall.
Rotary Club president Travis Miller presented Mrs. Burks with a check for $1000 as a contribution to the efforts and progress that Helping Hands of Paulding County is making in our community.