Founded in 1980, LCOC is a grassroots effort to rescue people eligible for federal and state welfare systems from falling through the cracks. It is supported by 140 volunteers, carefully selected for diverse skills; many are retired from careers in social services, school nursing, teaching, personnel and psychology.

The Council manages a network of nine food pantries; a holiday toy- and food-basket, and quarterly bulk food, distributions; a free clothing exchange; and cash payments of up to $1,000 a year for emergency needs of qualified poor families, to help with electricity bills, rent or mortgage payments, insurance, medical prescriptions, and transportation. Each request for help is carefully researched and evaluated.

About $15,000 is needed to develop and implement a volunteer recruitment, training and retention program, which is essential to effective, dependable service for residents of the eight towns that LCOC serves. Your donation will increase LCOC's effectiveness.