ROCKINGHAM – The month of March may be thought of for its blustery days and celebration of St. Patrick, but in Richmond County, March is creating a new name for itself.
The department of Social Services and the WIC program, managed by Saquana Miller-Stevenson, have teamed up to signify and redefine March as National Nutrition Month and Social Worker Appreciation Month. This was commemorated by a month-long food drive throughout the county. Decorated donation boxes were placed in local churches and the health department, as well as other locations. This call for donations was met with a large degree of success, especially considering this was the first annual kick-off food drive that these departments have coordinated for the community.
A large contribution to the success was due to those employees who donated in the Health Department building, and those who held donation boxes in the community. Amanda Steen, the county’s social worker supervisor, noted, “this was a great way to honor and celebrate the profession of social work, as well as give back to the community.”
These collected food goods will be donated to the Crisis Program that is responsible for helping families in need with meeting nutritional standards and providing for children’s needs such as diapers and formula. According to the Crisis Department supervisor Linda Taylor, “We average 40-50 families a month with donations, with no problem of a shortage of donations.” This impressive statistic is expected to increase with successful food drives such as this most recent March celebration.
It was also noted that no criteria need to be met to receive benefits, and often those who moved from other counties who may not be receiving benefits yet because of their relocation are welcome to come to the Social Work Department reception window in the Health Department building for any nutritional assistance.
For those who feel as if they missed their chance for donating this March, do not fear – these Departments say they plan on creating an annual event and to continue this for the upcoming years. Keep an eye out for these donation boxes, Richmond County, and help support your local Social Work heroes.
Editor’s note: This article was contributed by new RO writer Callie Smith.
