MIFLIN — If there was ever a time to reach out to people in need, the organizers of The Giving, a community outreach project, say it’s now.

“So many families in our community have been affected by the oil spill. They have either lost their job, their home or both,” said Mark Parden, one of the organizers of The Giving along with his wife, Stephanie.

“This is the time we should reach out.”

The Giving began as an annual event in December 2007, and there is no qualifying for assistance.

“We welcome anyone that has a need. We will be offering clothing, toys and household items and more. Our goal is to help as many families in our community as possible,” Parden said.

The Giving will be held at Miflin Community Center on Saturday, Aug. 14, beginning at  9 a.m. The Community Center is located at the corner of Baldwin County Road 20 and County Road 83, or 24725 Miflin Road in Elberta.

Donations of canned food and new and gently used school uniforms are currently being collected for the upcoming event. Canned food and school uniforms are to be dropped off at Azalea Self Storage at 114 E. Azalea Ave. in Foley (971-1717).

“We have been blessed with such wonderful, loving, and supportive friends. Without these we could not serve the many families of Baldwin County,” Parden said.

Among those the Pardens singled out are Larry and Linda Besselman; Peggy at Azalea Self Storage; David at Starkey Self Storage; City of Summerdale; City of Foley; Angela and Anthony Roney; Betsy Lipscomb; Jana Baxter; Josh Higginbotham; Jarred Higginbotham; Beth Taylor; Dana Fowler; Kasey Singley; Bill McMurray; Rusty Howington “and so many more.”