FirstLink Offers Help To Families In Need

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A record number of families who need assistance for the first time ever are slamming the phone banks at FirstLink.

The agency reported taking more than 10,000 calls for assistance since Dec. 1.

NBC 4's Candice Lee reported with the bottomline.

For those families finding themselves in a position for need versus donating, asking for help when you have never needed can be embarrassing. It also can be difficult to find help if you are not familiar with the system.

FirstLink President Marilee Chinnici-Zuercher told Lee, "One gentleman called and said he has always donated money or food. But since he lost his job three months ago, he finds he needs help."

FirstLink is one of the first places families in need should start. Staffers work to match families with organizations that can assist them with Christmas gifts for their children and putting food on the table.

Callers are asked for basic information such as their zip code, family size and current economic situation. All calls are confidential. Families are then given the name, number and address of a community organization that can help.

With 15 days until Christmas, time is running out to get help Chinnici-Zuercher said, but there are organizations still taking applications.

Franklin County residents can dial 211 on their telephone to reach FirstLink.

Stay tuned to NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com for more information on this developing story.

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