Shelby County’s Family Resource Center (SCFRS) provides a wide range of services to our community and is in desperate need of assistance in doing so.

With the downturn of the economy, they have had an unprecedented number of requests for assistance. In one day alone, they had 50 people asking for all types of help ranging from paying utility bills to food for their children.

According to Barbara Williams, Shelby County Children’s Policy Council Coordinator, many people have lost jobs due to plants closing in Sylacauga and surrounding areas.

“We are seeing people ask who have never before in their whole lives had to ask for assistance and being nearly homeless because of loss of income,” Williams said.

The Shelby County Family Resource Center is 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that is a central point for providing multiple agency services to families in need. They provide counseling services, free tax preparation, a preschool parenting education service, GED preparation classes and emergency response efforts. The center coordinates with other agencies in our community in an organized manner so as not to duplicate services so they can reach as many families as possible.

The center’s top two needs are canned goods and monetary donations so they can fulfill other needs as they arise. All donations are welcome including but not limited to toothpaste, shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, deodorant, toilet tissue, school supplies, canned goods, baby food, diapers and clothing of all sizes. All donations are tax deductible.

For more information of how to donate to the Shelby County Family Resource Center or where to drop off donations, please call 672-3237 or e-mail scfrcatvincent@bellsouth.net.