Project HOPE in Rock Hill needs help from generous donors, to continue its mission of providing groceries and financial assistance to families in need.
Gordon Bell, Director of Operations for HOPE Inc., said the organization needs monetary donations to continue helping families pay utility bills and medical costs.
The food pantry at Project HOPE is stocked with everything a family may need, including canned goods, fresh produce, frozen meats, and even birthday cakes for parents who want to give their child a birthday treat.
Project HOPE has seen a 30 percent increase in families requesting assistance this year, compared to 2017 and the organization gives about 70 pounds of food per person each week, Bell said.
The organization does not pay for controversial medical costs, such as prescription pain medications. HOPE will never turn away a hungry family.
Bell said even if the pantry is low, volunteers give whatever food they have. Bell is the only paid employee at the non-profit, which was named an “Angel” on the South Carolina Secretary of State’s “Srooges and Angels” list of non-profits in 2016.
According to the South Carolina Secretary of State, 90 percent of HOPE’s expenditures go directly to those in need.