"Helping Neighbors in Need" is the theme of the Sandhills/Moore Coalition for Human Care's 2011 annual giving campaign, which will kick off Nov. 15.

Since 1986, the Coalition has served as a conduit for businesses, individuals and churches to come together to help their Moore County neighbors in need. Earlier this year, the Census Bureau reported that Moore County's poverty rate jumped from 7.7 percent to 18.9 percent over the past three years. The impact of this startling statistic is simple: More and more families in Moore County are seeking emergency assistance.

Their stories vary: layoffs, illness, accidents or divorce have left them hungry, cold or in danger of losing their utility services or their home.

Sandhills/Moore Coalition was established to ensure no resident of Moore County is forced to live without life's basic necessities.

"We see heartbreaking cases every day," said Barrett Walker, executive director for the Coalition, "people who are doing all that they can, but are still struggling to make ends meet. It's hard for most people to imagine the tough choices that many of our neighbors have to make. Feed your family or pay your light bill? Fix your car so you can get to work or pay your rent?"

During the first three quarters of this year, the Coalition prevented 1,102 utility disconnections and 128 evictions.

This summer they distributed more than 100 box fans to help residents without air conditioning deal with the sweltering heat, and this winter requests will pour in for heating assistance.

"Built on the concept of neighbors helping neighbors, each accomplishment of the Sandhills/Moore Coalition for Human Care is a testament to the generosity of Moore County," said Walker. "More than ever, the 2011 Annual Giving Campaign is integral to the continuation of the Coalition's emergency programs for the less fortunate in the community."

To learn more about Sandhills/Moore Coalition and its services, or to make a donation, visit www. sandhillscoalition.org, or call (910) 693-1600.