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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 10, 2008

BRANDON - The growing number of residents relying on the Emergency Care Help Organization have set an unhappy record for the local nonprofit, which distributes food, clothing and other necessities to families in need.

Last month, ECHO saw 1,399 clients - up 200 from August 2007 and an all-time record. The organization gave out 33,354 pounds of food last month, and of that, 4,882 pounds had to be purchased outright because donations are down.

Operators say the unprecedented need is a result of the dour economy and resulting layoffs and business closings.

"It's gotten so bad, we've had to extend our hours to 2 p.m. to accommodate everyone," said Executive Director Stacey Efaw. For years, ECHO was open from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

"It's pretty crazy," said Eleanor Saunders, assistant project manager. "We've seen a lot of first-timers, people who have never had to ask for help before."

Last year, ECHO provided food and clothing to 9,440 Brandon area residents. That number is expected to top 10,000 this year.

Founded in 1987 by the Brandon Ministerial Association as a nonprofit, nondenominational food pantry, ECHO's mission is to support individuals and families through hardships with groceries, clothes and household items once every six months no more than four times.

Donations of food, clothing or money can be dropped off during regular hours.

Call Efaw at (813) 685-0935.

D'Ann Lawrence White

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