With the continuing upward spiral of the cost of gas and groceries, more families are appealing to the Good Samaritan Center for groceries and special aid assistance (rent, utilities, gas, water, medicine, clothes).

The following breakdown reveals the increase in requests received during the first four months of 2008 over those experienced in the first four months of 2007:

Groceries: first 4 months of 2007

No. of people in family: 609

No. of families: 219

No. of bags: 529

Groceries: first 4 months of 2008

No. of people in family: 834

No. of families: 302

No. of bags: 722

Difference for Groceries:

No. of people in family: +225

No. of families: +83

No. of bags: +193

Special Aid:

First 4 months of 2007

No. of families: 57

Total dollars: $4,964.46

Special Aid:

first 4 months of 2008

No. of families: 90

Total dollars: $5,274.44

Difference for Special Aid:

No. of families: +33

Total dollars: $309.98

With gas continuing its upward price momentum, The Good Samaritan Center is seeking additional assistance from the churches and all Blanco citizens. As you can see from the above numbers, the real need is an infusion of money to purchase more food. The Center is well aware that, with the ever increasing cost of everything, most people are feeling the resultant effects of this inflation. However, at this time, the Good Samaritan is issuing a very special plea for donations of money or canned goods - whichever a person can afford. All contributions will be appreciated.

Thank you very much for your assistance in this worthy cause.