The Good Samaritan Ministries of Refugio is in dire need of canned goods and monetary contributions.

“Due to the continued downturn in our economy, more and more people are turning to the Samaritan Center to supplement their basic needs,” said Jim Henke, president of the board.

For the past year the center has served approximately 190 families per month; the equivalent of 620 individuals. On an annual basis this equals to approximately 7,500 persons.

Cash donations offer much greater purchasing power as the Samaritan Center is eligible to purchase foods from the Victoria Food Bank at a greatly reduced price. A $50 donation will buy 254 pounds of food.

A 16 oz. can of beans costs 19 cents when purchased from the Victoria Food Bank.

The Samaritan Center always welcomes canned goods, toiletry items, soap, paper products, and two-pound bags of sugar, flour and cornmeal.

“Our families are always grateful and very appreciative,” Henke said. “We realize that many organizations collect item during the holiday season because sharing with others is an important lesson for all to learn and to remember.”

Henke thanks the community for its support for this year and the past years.

“Refugio and Woodsboro and the surrounding area have been very generous in our mission to assist others and we need your help once again,” Henke said.