OREM — A caregiver at the Family Support and Treatment Center feared she would not have enough food to feed the abused or neglected children who have found refuge at the center. In the midst of her panic, a donor brought in a large food donation, alleviating her worries that day.
However, the trepidation of running out of food to feed the children will return in the weeks to come.
The Family Support and Treatment Center is located in Orem and is the first line of defense in Utah for hundreds of children who suffer from abuse and neglect every year. The center is supplied with food and miscellaneous items through personal donations. It receives enough food from holiday food drives in December to last about seven months. By October the storage room is empty.
"We have completely exhausted everything that came in last holiday season," said Jill Weiser, nursery coordinator. "Small amounts on gift cards are more helpful than people can imagine. Five to 10 dollars can buy us milk for the month."
Another consequential need the center needs is a full-size freezer. The freezer they had broke and they have no place to store frozen goods.
The Family Support and Treatment Center started serving the community in 1984. The center's primary focus is on the prevention of child abuse but it also helps children and families build stronger and healthier relationships. For the full list of supplies needed or more information on the center visit www.utahvalleyfamilysupport.org
e-mail: kcox@desnews.com