AAF-Fort Worth's Public Service Spotlight: WestAid

As part of AAF-Fort Worth’s public service efforts for 2010, we will be spotlighting a local non-profit every quarter and requesting that you bring a donation item to our monthly luncheons.

For February and March, we are collecting canned goods for WestAid, a non-profit organization that has been providing support to Fort Worth’s west side for 25 years. WestAid is located in the lower level of the JPS Viola Pitts Health Center in Fort Worth’s Como neighborhood and serves 4,762 families and nearly 14,000 people. The program is led by 75 volunteers and three staff members – two part-time employees and one full-time employee.

WestAid offers a variety of services to Fort Worth residents experiencing crises with the hope of improving their lives, including:

• Food assistance: Provided to more than 8,000 people per year, WestAid provides food to families and individuals experiencing job loss, theft of resources, illnesses or other short-term crises. Monthly food assistance is also provided to the elderly or disabled persons who are living on a low fixed-income.
• Financial aid
• Hygiene and school supplies
• Transportation
• Holiday meals

Due to today’s challenging economy, WestAid has seen significant growth in requests for support and, as a result, has had to curtail some of its efforts in order to break even with growing expenses. That’s where you come in. Please bring canned goods to AAF-Fort Worth’s February and March luncheons. If you are unable to attend, or if you forget to bring a donation, you may donate to WestAid here.