The Seton Center, Inc., a non-profit agency that provides services for people in need, primarily in northern Frederick County, is seeking sponsors to provide food for families for Easter. "Families can provide food only, or also donate an Easter basket with stuffed animals and candy," explains Sister Patricia Nee, of the Seton Center.

When a business or family calls to volunteer to sponsor a family, they are matched with a family according to their resources. For example, a business or church group may want to sponsor a family with a number of children, whereas a single person may choose to sponsor a single parent with one child. Cash donations are also needed for perishable items and last minute requests. The Seton Center typically sponsors about 40 families at Easter.

The Seton Center, which has been serving northern Frederick County for approximately 25 years, is a sponsored work of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. The sisters and volunteers are known for their quality service and simplicity, and for serving clients with respect, genuine care, advocacy and creativity.

The Seton Center’s Outreach Services include emergency and temporary financial assistance with items such as rent, heat, utilities and prescriptions, along with referral and information services, supportive counseling, advocating for the needs of the poor and a host of other services, including the only thrift shop in the area.

"This year the people we’ve seeing a deeper level of need because the cost of rents, electricity, heating, medical visits and prescriptions have all increased, " explained Sister Ellen Eisenberger, administrator of the Seton Center.

If you’re interested in sponsoring a family, making at cash donation or volunteering to help at Seton Center, call Sister Patricia Nee at 301-447-6102 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Monday – Friday. Or, email your interest in sponsoring a family to setoncenterinc@doc.org by 4 p.m. on Friday, March 31. All donations must be delivered to the Seton Center at 16840 S. Seton Ave. Emmitsburg, MD 21727 by 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 12.