Interfaith Ministries, Caring and Sharing join forces

Many local community members know about two considerate, goal-minded organizations: Interfaith Ministries and Caring and Sharing of South Santa Rosa County. Sometimes one will be mistaken for the other, but they are very much two separate organizations that share similar objectives – to make a difference.

Interfaith Ministries began their operation in 2000 operating a thrift shop and a financial assistance office helping people in need in our community with housing, utilities, emergency travel, and other emergent items including food and clothing. The Good Samaritan Clinic was added under the Interfaith Ministries management in 2004.

"We are open throughout the year and over time we have seen the need for support increase during the Holidays," said Shirley Cornett, Director of Interfaith Ministries. "So it's a natural combination of our efforts to supplement Caring and Sharing's Christmas undertaking as their clothing and linens distribution location, which allows them to focus more on the food and toys during Holiday distribution."

Caring and Sharing of South Santa Rosa County began their operation in 1978 by the VanDerryt Family, and have long since continued the tradition of serving families with food boxes and clothing during the Holiday season. The distributions are purposefully scheduled in support of the customary Thanksgiving and Christmas school breaks. Any person or family needing help must register during one of the three interview dates to be held on Oct. 15-17 at the new Liberty Church on 6006 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze.

Both operations are 501(c) corporations, and are run by volunteers trying to make a positive difference in the lives of people in need.

"The program has become more and more strained, donations have decreased; yet every year we see the demand increase and more regular folk fall victim to the rough economic times and need our support," said Ann Thompson, President of Caring and Sharing.

"Last year we operated on a budget of $50,000 with less than 2 percent of the donated funds going towards administrative costs." reported Teresa Vincent, Treasurer for Caring and Sharing. Operating expenses are kept to a minimal because the operation is 100 percent volunteer based, food boxes and printing needs are sought out and donated, plus the organization only has a website and phone number and holds organizational meetings at the GBUMC Soundside Campus. Food drives and generous donations come from individuals, local businesses, community based organizations such as Publix, Boy Scouts, the Optimist clubs, and various others. Local churches support the angel toy drives which are part of the Christmas gift giving program. "In the past when donations and food supply were low the local churches and their worshippers coordinate food drives and miraculously at the right time and in the right amounts we found a way to maintain," stated Mike Sandler, Distribution and Operations Manager. "This year is already a bit tighter as we had to make a necessary cut to our 'shoes, socks and underwear' portion of the program this year due to budget funding constraints."

CNN has reported that more Americans fell below poverty line last year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data released this month. CNN also reported that the nation's poverty rate rose to 15.1% in 2010, up from 14.3% in 2009 and to its highest level since 1993.

For more information, or to make a tax deductible financial contribution please send to: P.O. Box 5521, Navarre, Florida 32566. To volunteer please call: 850-939-0727, or visit the organizations website at: www.santarosacares.org.

For more information on the chili charity event visit: www.juanaspagodas.com.

For more information on Interfaith Ministries visit them at: 4435 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, or call: 850-934-8385.