Extending a helping hand to Leeds Outreach

Published 12:58 pm Monday, September 17, 2012

Helping those in Leeds who need a hand up, the Leeds Outreach could now use your help.

Coming off a busy time of year—summer, the Leeds Outreach has a list of needs for the month of September.

“Families in need have requested food in great numbers,” said Leeds Outreach Director Barbara Higginbotham. “Our pantry is bare.”

Keeping in mind the true meaning of community service, the Leeds/Moody group, LadyBUGS (ladies believing, understanding, guiding and serving) implemented its first ever “Pay It Forward Program.”

Surprised by the Leeds committee of the Pay It Forward Program, Kathi Carr, along with LadyBUGS treasurer Lindsey Ryals presented Higginbotham with a $500 check.

“It’s a blessing to be able to help somebody,” Higginbotham said. “This is wonderful.”

Honored to be a part of LadyBUGS and its new program, Ryals said she hopes this project only gets bigger.

“This is something new for us, and we hope to continue to do this,” said Ryals.

Celebrating her eleventh year at Leeds Outreach, Higginbotham continues to show how she enjoys helping others.

“We had applications from 80 families for assistance with school supplies and fees,” said Higginbotham. “We purchased all the items on the supplies list for kindergarten to eighth grade and supplies for the high school students as suggested by the counselor.”

In order to stock the bare shelves at the Leeds Outreach, they are in need of canned meats (beef stew, chicken and dumplings…), tuna, Vienna sausage, dried or canned beans, canned or frozen vegetables, sugar, self-rising flour and corn meal, spaghetti sauce and canned fruits.

Also on the list are toiletries such as toothpaste, deodorant, shaving cream, razors, shampoo and conditioner.

As for household items, Leeds Outreach can use detergents, dish liquids, Clorox and various cleaning products.

Open Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon, Higginbotham says they can also always use peanut butter and jelly.

Gearing up for one of the Leeds Outreach’s biggest projects, Higginbotham is preparing for the annual Earl Street Christmas for Children program.

“We’ll be receiving applications at the end of this month, and people will be able to choose a child to help by October,” said Higginbotham. “We get the gifts to the families by the first week of December so they have them in time for Christmas.”

Continuing on its mission to provide “a hand up, not a hand out,” Higginbotham is humbled by the community’s support.

“Thank you for your assistance,” said Higginbotham. “We appreciate this so much.”

For further information contact the Leeds Outreach office at 205-699-7291.