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Plant City Mission Plans Yard Sale As Costs Rise

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By GEORGE WILKENS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 28, 2008

PLANT CITY - Bread of Life Christian Mission, an organization marking 15 years of assisting local families through a variety of charitable programs, is fighting a two-front battle spawned by economically challenging times.

As the needs of impoverished clients mount and operating costs skyrocket, donations that fuel the nonprofit organization are on a downward spiral.

"So we are struggling," said Julio Santana, founder and director of the mission at 908 E. Reynolds St.

The mission is seeing fewer donations and, at the same time, a 22 percent increase in the number of families seeking food and clothing through its emergency assistance program, Bread of Life office manager Alicia Nielsen said. The mission operates a thrift store, youth program and food bank.

Additionally, gasoline costs for the mission's 20-passenger bus, van and pickup have doubled to $600 monthly, electricity is running $300 "and the insurance bill is killing us, but we need it," Santana said.

To help raise money, Bread of Life will hold a yard sale with a carnival theme from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 9. The event will include booths, games, face painting, food and refreshments for purchase.

Bread of Life can be reached at (813) 754-2840.

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