Need Is Deep, ECHO Responds

How deep is the need in Brandon? Dire is a good word for it, which is why donations for the Boy Scout Food Drive on Feb. 18 are sorely needed.

Last year’s numbers are in for the Emergency Care Help Organization on Parsons Avenue, and they’re testament to the struggles so many people are facing in the Greater Brandon area during this years-long economic downturn.

In 2011, ECHO helped 10,779 individuals, including 5,103 children.

Indeed, children represented 47 percent of the need addressed by the emergency care organization, which provides food, clothes and small household furnishings to people facing extraordinary circumstances. A person is eligible for aid up to four times in one lifetime.

Moreover, ECHO distributed 263,279 pounds of food and gave away $622,833 worth of clothing, according to the year-end report distributed by ECHO staff this week.

In additional ECHO news:

Patti and Kim McFatter shared the ECHO Volunteer of the Year award for 2011.

Cami Gibertini was named ECHO Board Member of the Year. Gibertini also is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Brandon and she is this year’s honorary mayor of Brandon.

Bay Life Church has supplied ECHO with two gardening plots, which will be used to grow fresh produce for the benefit of ECHO clients. Volunteers are needed to assist with planting, watering and weeding.

ECHO is in need of canned pasta, canned meat, tuna and any personal hygiene items.

The Boy Scout Food Drive is under way, with bags having been distributed to Greater Brandon homes Feb. 11. The scouts on Feb. 18 will be collecting bags filled with non-perishable food items. The current food supply is extremely low, ECHO reports, which means any and all donations are greatly appreciated. Donations can be given to any local Boy Scout troop or dropped off at ECHO on Feb. 18 from 9 a.m. to noon.

ECHO is at 507 North Parsons Ave. in Brandon. Call: 813-685-0935. Email: Stacey@echofl.org.