Call 211.

Lots of places allow residents to call 211 to get local help with food, housing, employment, health care, counseling and other social services. But did you know that you can also call 211 to learn how give help?

When Kwadjo and I moved from Atlanta to Little Rock, we found we had lots to give away just before we were planning to leave. The organizations to which we normally donated would do scheduled pick-ups but the available dates were too far away. And we were too busy packing to make a drop off. So I called 211 to get find some organizations that could do an immediate pickup. Thankfully, it worked out well.

Wondering if your town has 211 for social services? Visit 211.org and search by city, state, or ZIP code. I was pleased to see that Arkansas also has 211. And like many other states and municipalities, Arkansas 211 also has a website (Arkansas211.org).

So call 211 or visit your local 211 website next time you

• need social services
• would like to offer help
• want to list your organization’s services

It’s a valuable local resource and it’s just a call or click away.

"This is the miracle that happens every time to those who really love; the more they give, the more they possess." - Rainer Maria Rilke