The TLC Community Center’s annual Summer Food Program will kick off Monday and run through August 7.
This year will be the 12th year for the program, and TLC Community Center Director Angie Odom says it has grown each year.
“We feel the growth shown by the demand for this program proves this is a true need in the community,” Odom said.
During the Summer of 2014, the TLC Center served 72,924 meals over the course of the program, feeding an average of 423 children each day, Odom said.
This was a large increase from the year before, when 48,960 meals were served, feeding an average of 320 children per day, she added.
Each Monday through Friday of the program, the Center delivers meals to several sites throughout Elizabethton and Carter County. The children each receive a hot dinner meal along with a bagged breakfast and lunch for the following day.
Every other Friday, the Center will be handing out a food box of non-perishable items to each family.
“We also have a garden growing which will allow us to give the children fresh produce once our harvest starts coming in,” Odom said.
The TLC Community Center has partnered with several area churches to make this program possible but is still in need of funds to purchase things needed for the program.
Those wishing to donate money for the program can do so in one of two ways, Odom said. Donations can be sent to the TLC Community Center or can be made online at www.gofundme.com/TLCSummer2015.
Those interested in making a donation or wanting to volunteer to help prepare or deliver food are asked to contact Odom at 423-895-8601.
Several sites have been designated as pick-up locations for the program. If a family does not live at any of the designated pick-up locations, they can travel to one of the other sites to receive meals.
Summer Food Program pick up locations:
• Arney Hill (Pine Ridge Circle)
• South Hills Estates
• Neighborhood around City School Administration Building
• Lee Apartments (behind Ivy Hall)
• West G Street Apartments (Taladega, Bristol and Daytona)
• Locust Street Mobile Home Park
• Lovers Lane Mobile Home Park
• Lynnwood and Lynnridge Apartments
• Neighborhood around Nancy’s Kitchen (on Stateline Road)
• Swimming Pool Road Mobile Home Park
• Ollie Collins Road
• Mobile Home Park on Dan Bowers Road
• Lewis Mobile Home Park
• Jena Beth Drive Apartments