From Empty Plates to Full Stomachs

Greenford, OH - Cathy and Gary French have seen their share of hard times. Gary is a diesel technician, but since the decline in the economy, business has been slow. The rising cost of living has made things even tougher. "There's only enough money to pay the bills." Says Cathy. "You know, your electric and water and all that kind of stuff. Well, you can't go without any of that, but then there's nothing for food."

Cathy wanted to get back into the workforce, but childcare costs more than a job would bring in. They didn't know how they were going to feed their family of six. Then Cathy heard about Big Reach Center of Hope, a local food bank supported by Operation Blessing. Big Reach Director Scott Lewis says the past few years have been difficult for many families in northeast Ohio.

"We have lost a lot, whiter it's retail, whether it's businesses and factories, and people just can't make it," says Lewis. "They can't do it and they can't afford to go somewhere else where there is more work. Poverty has just increased in all areas. We have seen it increase 30 to 40 percent."

With that kind of an increase of people in need, Operation Blessing's help is more important than ever before.

"Today, with our distribution going on, we're helping a lot more families, and we really can't do it without Operation Blessing," says Lewis. "I Just want to say thank you, keep it up, because your'e not only helping in disasters, you're helping right here in the United States. We have our own need and it is growing more and more every day."

Another thing that makes this program special is the volunteers, some of whom are also recipients of the food bank.

"We have fifty that continually come into this place and they give their heart and soul," says Lewis. "They want to give back. They want to work, but they can't, they can't get hired. We have a lot that want to give back."

Cathy French is one of those people. She regularly volunteers at the center and receives food for her own family when it is needed."

"Anybody who has been affiliated with Operation Blessing as contributors to you guys and with Big Reach, I just want to thank them for everything they've done for everybody." Says Cathy. All their donations, all their generosity, they've meant the world to us."

HOW YOU CAN HELP: Be a part of Operation Blessing's efforts to transform the lives of children and adults in Haiti, please make an online contribution and help us continue to reach those in need.