’Tis the season of giving, and what better way to give back than to support a local organization that serves people in need right here in the Buford, Sugar Hill and Suwanee communities?

The North Gwinnett Co-op has seen a 43 percent increase in the number of people it serves. Last year, the organization distributed 171,000 pounds of food, while this year, to date, the co-op has distributed almost 400,000 pounds of food and has provided almost $500,000 in financial assistance to help keep families in their homes. 

“We have faced many challenges with COVID,” said Kim Phillips, the co-op’s executive director, “and just like everyone else we have had to make changes, daily. Among the many challenges, we have seen many more blessings!”

Phillips said the co-op is currently in need of donations of frozen meats such as chicken and hamburger meat, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. The co-op accepts food donations from 1 to 8 p.m. Mondays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at 4395 Commerce Drive in Buford.

“We have never been short on volunteers, we had community members donate lunch for staff and volunteers for several months, we have had food donated and have never turned anyone away for food and we’ve have funds donated so that we can offer financial assistance to those in need,” Phillips said. “We are blessed to be part of such a caring, active community. Together we make a difference!”

For more information on the North Gwinnett Co-op, visit northgwinnettcoop.org or call 770-271-9793.

— Deanna Allen