Growing need keeps food shelves bare at Family Services

Diana Sahagun

Friday, June 26, 1998 | 11:30 a.m.

The pantry at the Salvation Army Family Services Center is no longer bare thanks to a Las Vegas woman who donated more than $600 worth of food Thursday.

Lucille Ricards, who used to volunteer at the center, has been donating food to the shelter for the past 15 years.

"I heard women cry because they couldn't feed their babies," she said. "Even if I can help a little bit, that is great because family services needs it."

Family Services serves low-income families who are anticipating food stamps, waiting on a job offer, or who just got laid off. The center tries to help these people from becoming homeless, Sloan said.

Richard's donation was greatly needed because more and more people are coming to the center to receive food, said Carol Sloan, Family Services director. "There's no food," Sloan said.

Last year in the month of May, Family Services saw 2,800 people. This May, they saw 4,000.

"There are many more people getting laid off, and the welfare system is also affecting people," Sloan said. "People think the job market is so great in Las Vegas, but it's really not unless you are involved in construction."

With the rush of people coming to the center, Richard's donation will probably only last three days.

"If you could just donate one can, it would help so much," said Richards, who received a plaque for her efforts.

Sloan fears that one day the center may have to close because of the lack of food.

"There's no food. I have cried about it and it makes me sick," she said. "In the 10 years I have been director we have never closed. It's very pathetic to only be able to give out cans of tomato soup and green beans."

Fred Topshe, a client at the center, put it simply: "If you hadn't brought this (food), tomorrow we would be closed."

Donation can be dropped off at three locations: 2900 Palamino Lane, 35 W. Owens or 830 E. Lake Mead Boulevard. Requests for pick-up can be made by calling 870-4430.