Helping Hands 2

Four-year-old Bianca Jean Batis of Boca Raton eats with her mother on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008 at Boca Helping Hands Food Center in Boca Raton. The nonprofit organization collects food to distribute to low-income families as well as to cook hot meals for the needy. Other assistance programs include job mentoring, financial aid, and prescription medicine purchase assistance as well as children's assistance programs that help fund tutoring, school supplies and health insurance.
 In 1998, Boca Raton resident Carolyn Jones formed Boca Helping Hands, which has grown to more than 200 volunteers. The organization gives away about 400 bags of food per month and serves hot meals five days a week. Recent economic strife and rising unemployment rates have contributed to a substantial increase in people seeking assistance, Jones said. 
 “People who have never asked for help before are coming in. They don't want to be here, but they come for their children," Jones said.  "People always ask, 'There are hungry people in Boca?' The answer is yes."