HEED THE NEED - distributes canned goods, brought in by parishoners on Sunday mornings as well as donations from business houses, to the needy. Currently this programme assists 30 families with groceries monthly.

During 1991 the economy faltered, a structural adjustment programme with IMF began and civil servants' salaries were cut by 8%. In face of real hardship for many families, a parish meeting suggested a project for relief. There was an enthusiastic response from the congregation with persons volunteering to serve on the committee. Planning began and the Heed the Need Programme was launched in November 1991. The centre was opened on Wednesdays between 3 and 5.

A large basket was placed in the cross-aisle and members were encouraged to bring non-perishable items from their larder on Sundays along with their collection. The available assistance was publicized in the Shell and the Sunday Notices since it was felt that it was not necessary to make a big fuss over basic Christian action and also because the resources at the time were limited.

The business of a member contributed six cartons of baby cereal, Milo, tea mix, instant beverages and soap. A couple sent $100. Johnny Hutson contributed a bag of yams and his daughter collected at her salon. The congregation brought no-perishable groceries on Sunday mornings and someone donated 4 cartons to medicines and tonic.

At first no one sought help and the members were asked to if they knew any people who could use our help. The Heed the Need responds to 30 families in real difficulties and there are also cases of young women with too many children and fathers not providing, some because of unemployment.

The cross-aisle basket was filled most Sundays by generous worshippers who brought basic items weekly - rice, sugar, flour, corned beef, sardines, dried peas etc. It is understandable that our poor parishioners are not in a position to contribute, but there are many now who are able but who are not taking up their responsibilities in this programme. We urge all to do their part as privileges carry responsibilities, especially in the Christian family.

Until her death this year, Audrey Cooper co-coordinated the Heed the Need programme form its inception. We as a congregation owe her a debt of gratitude for the sterling job she did. She had a good relationship with the recipients and other help such as school shoes, bed linen, mattresses etc. were provided from time to time. She was ably assisted over the years by several others especially the late Barbara Seale and Jean Johnson.

Since Audrey's death Marie Ullyett has taken on responsibility for the programe assisted by Rachel Wilkie. Distribution is made to some 30 families on the first Wednesday of each month and Marie and Rachel will tell you how eagerly the parcels are collected. This focus on food differs from the original concept as reported in the Shell of December 1991 - "Heed the Need will be open every Wednesday" - "teams will assist with backyard gardens, seeds, plants and fertilizer, rabbit rearing, nutrition and budget advice. Counselling will be available during the trauma of what may be lengthy unemployment."