The heat is stifling and the economy is getting worse. With over 500 new families visiting the Cov-ington Food Bank since January, it’s no wonder that Jackie and Sam Catalanotto are seeking donations of food, money — and time.

“Need has grown,” said Jackie.

The Covington Rotary International presented a check for $4,000 to the Food Bank, which also includes the St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Shop and the dental office. The group raises money through their poker tournaments held monthly and donates the money raised to local charities. They also donate their time and volunteer at many area fundraisers. The Rotarians in Covington are probably best known for their efforts to feed the needy at Christmas. They prepare and deliver Christmas dinners to families recommended by local churches, charities and others. Last year they prepared and served Christmas dinner to about 1,000 families, including some in Washington and Tangipahoa parishes. The cooking, packing and delivery of food takes place Dec. 23, 24 and 25 each year.

The Rotarians presented the check to the Catalanottos and Food Bank Chairman of the Board, Harry Warner.

“It takes $30,000 to run this place each month, and we have few paid employees: two accountants, a manager and a clerk in the thrift store and a dental assistant and dental hygienist for the dental office. Even our dentists work for free,” said Jackie Catalanotto.

She said the facility doesn’t belong to any one person or group — it belongs to the community.

“We try to reach out in as many ways as we can, everything from food to health care and school supplies. The thrift shop will have everything from school supplies to recycled uniforms for school in August,” she said.

The dental clinic is fully equipped, including the latest digital X-ray machines and uses a lab that gives them a discount for things like crowns, plates and dentures. “It’s very expensive to operate. We wish we could do it for free,” she said.

Catalanotto told the Rotarians that in the summer of 2005, they received a $6,000 check from Pool Corp to build the big warehouse. “I asked, Lord, why do we need all this space? Then on August 29, we found out why,” she said. They are an emergency outlet in case of another hurricane and pray they won’t be needed.

“We accept volunteers for any length of time they can give us; an hour or two or days, we’re just happy to have them,” she said.

It is also a great way for young people to earn service hours, especially during the summer. The Covington Food Bank has had to purchase more food because of the downturn in the economy and the increase in the number of people needing help.

The organization does not get help from any government agency and serves 4,100 families: 4,100 from St. Tammany, 487 from Tangipahoa and 1,671 from Washington Parish. Catalanotto added that over 1,500 of the people served are over 65 years old. They are open three days a week for food distribution—Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. until noon.

They do ask for proof of income and limit the number of visits to twice a month for families of more than two people. Even with the generosity and help of Second Harvest, Covington Food Bank has had to purchase over $51,000 worth of food the past year. They are available to pick up donations from businesses, churches or other groups who wish to hold a food drive.

For more information on the Covington Food Bank, call 893-3003.