By Mike McClure

Rises in utility bills, rent, and food costs have caused an even greater need for help this holiday season. Add in the winter weather, less funding for non-profits, and fewer employment opportunities and you get a large number of western Sussex families who are struggling.

Area non-profits with food banks are always in need of food donations. That is especially true with the rise in food prices at the grocery store.

“Food is always a need that we have,” said Cornerstone Community Center Executive Director Latoya Harris. “The prices have really hit us hard in Sussex County.”

Cornerstone’s food pantry has benefitted from partner Wholesome Foods which donates two cases of chicken a month. “They have been a very good partner for us,” she added.

Love INC of Mid-Delmarva Associate Director Kathryn Alban said her organization is in need of single serve food items such as chips, granola, tuna or chicken pouches or other sources of protein.

With winter on its way, the organization also needs hand warmers, coats, scarves, gloves and hats. Items can be dropped off at 703 E. King St. in Seaford Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Both non-profits say utility bills and rental assistance is a need this year. Love INC’s Connection Center helps with this need.

“Times are getting really hard for families. People are losing jobs,” Harris added. “Everything is going up. It’s really hard for families to accommodate paying higher utility bills, higher rent.”

Harris is hopeful that the Nylon Center will help provide some employment opportunities.

Love INC offers Code Purple homeless shelters in Seaford, Georgetown, Milford and Bethany Beach every night from Dec. 1-March 15. The organization needs volunteers to stay overnight at the shelters.

“They just want a place to sleep,” said Alban.“It’s important to get our sites filled with volunteers so that we’re able to stay open.”

To volunteer all you have to do is fill out an application and complete a background check

Volunteers just need to be there in case the guests have needs. Alban called it a great ministry opportunity.

“A lot of us get comfortable in our warm houses and there are people who are just grateful for a cot instead of being outside,” she said.

VisitLoveDelmarva.org for a volunteer application.

The non-profits themselves are also in need of help so they can help those in need. The government shutdown and other factors have affected their funding for housing and utility assistance.

“We’re all struggling with funding,” Harris said. “Trying to find grant funding is really hard.”

For more information on the Cornerstone Community Center visit https://cornerstone-bridgeville.com/.