Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Operation Breadbasket Seeking Applications For Holiday Aid

Operation Breadbasket is again making a strong effort to provide food and clothing to the needy citizens of our county and community. Breadbasket is a non-profit organization which began several years ago under the leadership of Earl Foster and other concerned citizens. Through the years, it has helped hundreds of families, especially during the holiday season.

In order to receive assistance, one must fill out an application to show a need for food and /or clothing. These may be obtained the center and are kept on file. Referrals are made by ministers, school officials, the sheriff's department, the police department and individuals.

Operation Breadbasket depends entirely on private donations from the citizens of Nevada County. These include food, clothing, furniture, toys, linens, and financial assistance. Money donated is used for operating expenses and the purchase of food items. The Food Bank and Rice Depot are some sources of food items as well as Logan Grocery Company and the local supermarkets.

Operation Breadbasket is located at the corner of West First and Elm in the old Sears building. Also located there is the homeless shelter. This was made possible with a grant of $25,000 from the Arkansas Department of Human Services. This grant money is used solely for the purpose of the shelter. Some of the monies was spent to partition five rooms for sleeping, bathing facilities, kitchen center for cooking, bed and chest of drawers for each room. The remainder of the grant monies is used to pay utilities (heating and air-conditioning), rent and office expenses. As of May 1996, the grant money will no longer be available as it will have to be self sustaining.

It is the goal of Operation Breadbasket and Homeless Shelter to have local support for its continued existance and operations. This provides a great opportunity for the church community of Nevada County to reach out to the needy and poor in this area. A brochure is being created to explain Operation Breadbasket and the Homeless Shelter which will be available to your local churches and organizations for distribution. Also, a newsletter will be sent on a regular basis with inforamation pertaining to activities and needs of the center.

Everyone is welcome to stop by the center at West First and Elm and visit. The hours are 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. weekdays.

Those occupying the shelter have to vacate the building by 8 a.m. and cannot return until evening.

The need for Operation Breadbasket and the Homeless Shelter is here in Nevada County, it provides a service some cannot receive any other place. A box of food and some warm clothing can help a family to make it to the next payday or food stamp issue.

Applications for Christmas food baskets will be taken from 11:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on November 20, 21, and 22 at the Breadbasket Center.

Monday, November 20, applications are limited to the elderly (older than 55) and the handicapped. All other applications will be taken on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 21 and 22.

Applicants should bring identification and proof of income, such as a card or letter showing Social Security entitlements, public assistance or unemployment benefits.

Individuals who are unable to sign up Tuesday or Wednesday can apply Friday, November 24, or be nominated by mail. Letters should be mailed to: Operation Breadbasket, P.O. Box 428, Prescott, Ark. 71857, and must be postmarked no later than Friday, November 24.

Last year more than 350 baskets were distributed to needy families by Breadbasket. This year baskets will be distributed December 18, 19 and 20, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. each day.

For more information call 887-5361 or 887-3075.