Editor’s note: Full names of family members in this article have been withheld for their protection.

Concerned Citizens of Atmore (CCA) needs your help.

At present, the local organization is helping five families acquire everyday items, including clothing, food, house wares, rental space and kids clothing.

CCA provides school uniforms, clothes and shoes, food emergency programs, Reading Pals & Literacy Program, scholarships, MLK Little League Baseball and community service programs.

Sandra Gray with CCA, said the organization helps families all the time.

One such family includes a great-grandmother that is taking care of four children.

Sharon came with her kids to Atmore after leaving her home.

“We had some problems with two of the kids’ father,” she said. “He’s not a very nice person. He’s really not nice.”

Sharon said she told the father that he couldn’t take full custody of the children, and packed what they could in 15 minutes for the bus stop. They made their way to Florida and stayed in the sunshine state for about a month in a 16-foot camper.

“There was six of us sleeping on the floor,” Sharon said. “Then, we came up here (in Atmore) and found a place.”

Sharon is on social security and disability. She gets $850 a month. Most of her money goes toward rent ($450) in a place that isn’t fit for the family.

Gray said there are holes in the floor and the electrical outlets don’t work properly.

The family needs everything, Sharon said.

“We came with what we packed,” she said.

What the family needs most are mattresses, clothes and somewhere else to stay.

Sharon’s family needs clothes in girls sizes 6 and 14; and boys size 7-8 and 10.

In addition, the family from Florida needs household items, including towels, curtains and other needed materials.

Gray said those who would like to make a clothing or monetary donation to Sharon’s family or the other families CCA is helping, can call her at 251-294-0138.