The Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corporation

[Jim O'Bryan]

As the holiday season approaches, the Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corporation prepares again for the sixteenth year to distribute bags of food for the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday. Even in a community as apparently comfortable as Lakewood there still exist neighbors in great need for whom the gift of this food is crucial both for a healthier and brighter holiday season.

A fourteen member year-round board raises funds and handles the logistics of buying and gathering food. The board is proud of the fact that it has virtually no administrative expenses and uses all cash donations toward the purchase of food. The majority of the food comes from generous donations of canned goods and staples collected by students at public and parochial schools in Lakewood. â€Â￾ The goal of the food drive is twofold,â€Â￾ says LCAC President Larry Baldanza,â€Â￾ To add something special for families that allows them to enjoy a holiday meal with all the trimmings and to draw together our community and show that we as a community care about our neighbors and friends.â€Â￾

All this activity comes to a climax on the weekends before Thanksgiving and Christmas. The donated food is sorted and packed in roughly 300 bags Friday night. Saturday morning, perishable food is packed and volunteers then deliver the bags to families and the elderly.

The two-day period of Friday and Saturday before these holidays is the LCAC’s time of greatest need. What we need are volunteers to sort, pack and deliver food. Even a few hours of help either day is greatly appreciated. Friendly veteran volunteers and board members are there to answer questions and offer guidance every step of the way. This is an excellent opportunity for families and people of all ages to volunteer right here in your own community and brighten the holidays for others.

The circumstances of the past few years, both economic and charitable, have led to a sudden decline in cash contributions to our organization. Traditionally, we appeal for volunteer help only at this time of year, but any person or organization that can help us sustain this good work with a cash contribution will be warmly appreciated.

Contacts: (440) 891-8939 Larry Baldanza, President
(440)356-3321 Ellen Todia,
(216) 228-7160 Dave Rothhaas