To the Editor:

The news has been replete with concern that this is a time of greater need for those dependent on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, as SNAP and health insurance benefits become more precarious.

Residents who cannot obtain employment sufficient to support themselves often are dealing with disabilities, frail health, need to care for dependents, lack of local employment opportunities, and lack of transportation.

The rural population in Albany County faces unique challenges, as the closest grocery store may be 15 miles away. Without a trustworthy vehicle or sufficient funds for gas and car insurance, the hindrances are numerous.

The Hilltowns Community Resource Center in Westerlo has been actively providing a food pantry, support, information, and referral assistance of various kinds to residents in need.

For several years, the Helderberg Kiwanis has hosted the Clothing Project to benefit the HCRC's services, making a large amount of good-to-excellent condition clothing available, free of charge, to anyone. Clothing is collected through donations by St. Pius Church in Loudonville, as well as from local citizens.

Monetary donations collected will be provided to the Hilltowns Community Resource Center to help people in need with gas cards, money to pay for medications, personal care supplies, and emergency needs.

The Clothing Project Store, focusing on winter clothes and footwear, will be open in Woodmans Hall, 980 County Route 401, Westerlo, on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 1 to 7 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 21, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The adult clothing is always plentiful; however, we need children’s clothing, especially size 3 to 16. If you have children’s winter clothes to donate, please drop them off at Woodmans Hall during daytime hours next week.

Not only does the Clothing Project serve to supply people with refreshing their wardrobes and outfitting growing children, but it is also an excellent way to recycle clothing that would otherwise sit in closets, unworn, or eventually end up in a landfill.

Please support the Clothing Project!

Debra Barnes Breitenbach

Peggy Christman

Co-Chairs Clothing Project Kiwanis of the Helderbergs