Sabal Homes and Starkey Mortgage Partner to Help Feed the Low Country's Hungry Population

CHARLESTON, S.C. - May 7, 2013 - PRLog -- In recent years, there has not been much help for the hungry. “When the economy started to decline, more families needed help, but the resources just were not there,” according to Pastor Dave Boyer of Gateway Open Arms.

For those victimized by hunger in the low country, Sabal Homes and Starkey Mortgage are proud to partner with Gateway Open Arms by making a financial donation on behalf of the Hunger Helpers Program to reach out to families in need throughout the low country and surrounding communities.

Lindsey Tyler, VP of Sales for Sabal Homes, chose to support this particular charity because she saw an immediate need in the community. "Pastor Dave told me about a local man who has to choose between paying for necessary medicine and food for his family," Tyler explained. "Most people don't see the large amount of people in need. Some think it doesn't affect our community but these are our neighbors."

Hunger Helpers is a program organized by Gateway Open Arms, committed to feeding the community “one family at a time,” through donations received from area churches, organizations and businesses. With the state of the economy and unemployment at an all-time high, Gateway Open Arms is seeing a tremendous increase in the number of families seeking assistance. Although they had to reduce the monthly distribution rates, they are scheduled to begin distributing twice a month in June.  

Hunger Helpers is unique in that they do not simply drop off prepared boxes of food. They allow families to choose their food, much like grocery shopping. “There is a sense of self-worth and personal dignity that comes from allowing them to make personal choices,” Pastor Dave added. Because of this, Hunger Helpers often has families camping out to make sure they can take part in the distribution.

Hunger Helpers has provided food to over 300 different families so far this year. Thanks to businesses like Starkey Mortgage, Hunger Helpers has the ability to assist these families through the monetary donations and food drives donated from businesses and individuals in the community.

Starkey Mortgage started the Community Connection Program to address the needs of the community by donating $250 to the homebuilder or homebuyer’s charity of choice, for each loan closed by Starkey Mortgage. Although Sabal Homes and Starkey Mortgage have donated enough for a month’s worth of food for the community, more donations are welcome as Hunger Helpers still has immediate needs.

Want to help? Hunger Helpers needs a new walk-in refrigerator to keep food fresh longer, as well as monetary resources, for gas and bills, to keep this program running. For information on Hunger Helpers, or to find out how you can help, contact Gateway Open Arms at 843-761-1705.