Cherry Street Mission

Cherry Street Mission Ministries

For Immediate Release

 

Date: October 10, 2011

 

Contact:                                                                                            

Ashley Shaffer, Communications Coordinator                                                                       

Cherry Street Mission Ministries
419-460-1236 cell

 

Desperate times create desperate measures--Number of people seeking food and shelter rises at Cherry Street Mission Ministries.

 

          TOLEDO(Ohio)- Cherry Street Mission Ministries measures double-digit increase in food and shelter in comparison to September of last year. In September of 2010, 142 men and 73 women sought shelter and a daily average of 652 prepared meals were served.  Just last month, 166 men (17% increase) and 90 women (23% increase) sought shelter and a daily average of 816 prepared meals (25% increase) were served each week at Cherry Street.

 

“While an increase in numbers is expected during the colder months, we do not usually see such a dramatic increase so high or so early,” Dan Rogers, President and CEO stated. The community is continuing to endure economic hardship, which has directly affected Cherry Street Mission Ministries, yet the mission continues to turn no one away.

 

During a time when desperate families and individuals are turning to Cherry Street for help-- Cherry Streetis coming to our community asking for assistance in financial donation, food donations, and other needed items to care for their guests.  Things as simple as toilet paper and hygiene items to milk, eggs and meat are among some of the most urgent needs.  It is times like this, that we truly appreciate the generous support of our community.  The fact that we are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and continue to serve all of those who come to us in need is a result of such a generous community. 

 

***Please note, there have been reports of individuals soliciting donations by selling roses and other items outside of local businesses and restaurants.  Cherry Street Mission does not typically permit or endorse this kind of solicitation.

 

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         To help, visit cherrystreetmission.org to make an online donation or obtain a list of items the shelter needs to house and feed guests.  Financial donations can also be sent to Cherry Street Mission Ministries, 105 17th Street, Toledo, OH  43604, while non-food items can dropped off at the LifeBridge Center (the old Banner Mattress Warehouse), 3342 Monroe Street, Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. –  3 p.m. Food donations can be dropped off at Madison Food Services, 1919 Madison from 7am-7pm everyday.  For more information, visit Cherry Street's website or call 419-242-5141.