What are some things that are being done in your area to help out?

i was watching TLC (the learning channel) and noticed they had a commercial saying that Glidden was giving away one free quart of paint to anyone and everyone. not being american, i didnt really take much notice of it, but you who are, may want to look into it.

How interesting. What a caring and sharing community. If there is anything go on here, I either didn't listen well to the news or just simply don't know about it. There are shelters to keep the homeless out of the heat and shelters to simply help people would couldn't afford to keep their a/c on during this time of intense heat. There are food pantries too but don't know where they are located.

We had free fishing day but other then that I dont know. It sounds like your state is doing a lot to help out, both the government and the people. That is so great, if only we were all so giving. We are having lots of food drives, but other then that I have not noticed a lot of difference.

I do know the food stamp amounts have been raised because of the high amount of unemployment in our area. But I noticed that the food drive that the post office does each year, did not produce as much as last year. People are holding onto what they have and not so eager to give. The churches are having special days where you can go and look through piles of clothes that they have been given for anyone that needs it. But you go into a salvation army store or a Goodwill store now adays and you might as well go to Wal Mart, they have jacked the prices up so much it is unreal. I will not pay a hundred dollars for something at a goodwill store that I can buy new in a regular store. I seen couches that they are asking $200. for that really should have been put out for the trash. And it is still setting there if you go back 2 weeks later, wonder why. Our grocery stores have a big barrel at the front of each store, to drop things that you buy extra to go to the food pantry.

We are still wrapped up in post Katrina stuff and getting things back to "normal." It's hard to say what is specifically due to the economy because New Orleans has been in a recession state for years.

Georgia has free fishing days with no license required, however they do that two times a year and have been during it for years now. They have increased the food stamp amount and I believe that has been increased through out the US. I have noticed that several churches are giving away free dinners on certain night and anyone is welcome. I haven't seen any signs for farmers giving away free food - which would be nice as in my area there have been so many plant closures - the unemployment rate is extremely high. WIC has a new program that is suppose to include fruit and vegetables. I used to live in Washington State and I can tell you that that state really takes care of there under priviledged or unemployed people.

Even last year, elderly people got an extra voucher to be used at the local farmer's market. Helped them, helped the farmers. County jail has a garden annually. What they do not use goes to the food bank and to the senior center. I know my clients with Vision Cards (food stamps) have had their amounts raised. We have Habitat for Humanity doing a blitz build. In our church we have an outreach group that takes old furniture and finds places that need furniture. They also sponsor a food pantry and some times some necessity showers are held for things like bedding and beds and laundry soap and shampoo. Things that foodstamps will not buy. Our "dump" and recycling center has a reuse section where good used things can be left and others pick it up for free.

Hello! Just a quick response here, as I couldn't pass up this topic. Those are wonderful things that you've mentioned, that are being done. In our area ... Oshawa Ontario, we recently received the best sample package I've ever got in our mailbox. A company gave away a whole box of Hamburger Helper, as well as a pkg. of Old El Paso taco mix. The giveaway also included an amazing coupon booklet, and most of the products featured are ones we use. Each coupon is worth anywhere from $1.00 - $3.00 off, and I believe there are around 20 coupons in all. I hope you and your hubby are doing well. Take care.