March to End Hunger

The Wilkinson Center's annual "March to End Hunger" campaign ends April 30. The Center has raised $142,000 towards its goal of $160,000, the amount to meet an increase of 43 percent more food pantry clients.

Melissa deLeon, the Center's Development Director, says, "A generous response is needed because of recent developments.Our primary source for donated food cannot meet our needs, requiring us to make retail purchases in order to keep our pantry open."

Director de Leon also reported that area grocers have improved their inventory management, meaning there is now less surplus food to share with local food pantries, like The Wilkinson Center.

Higher fuel, prescription and housing costs continue to squeeze working families who do not earn enough income to make ends meet. The lack of food also sabotages a person's ability to move out of poverty. "It's hard to learn new job skills, dream of getting a GED, or learn English when that person is hungry," notes de Leon. "So The Wilkinson Center depends upon the generous donations from churches, individuals and family foundations to keep its pantry stocked."

The Wilkinson Center is housed at Munger Place UMC in East Dallas. This year marks the Center’s 25th year of service and ministry.

To donate online to the "March to End Hunger," visit www.wilkinsoncenter.org. Mail checks to: March to End Hunger, P.O. Box 720248, Dallas, TX 75372.

To volunteer, or for more information, please call 214-821-6380, ext. 202.