H.E.L.P.S. Room

A Great Article by Barbara Hill (2003)

Health Education Local Pantry Service is a community program staffed by volunteers who donate their time and energy to assist people in need. This program is organized and run by volunteers, many who simultaneously serve on individual school boards.

The H.E.L.P.S. program provides food staples to residents of Downey and to families whose children attend Downey schools. Clients are assisted every other month and given special baskets of food as well as gifts for the children at Thanksgiving and Christmas. H.E.L.P.S. also contributes financially to subsidize health programs within Downey schools including: dental screening, Red Ribbon Week (drug awareness), Grad Night, and G.O.O.D. (Gangs Out of Downey). 

Applicants to the program are referred by Downey Unified School District or through Community Services at City Hall. 

H.E.L.P.S. was formerly Downey Thrift Shop. This community pantry stocks its shelves with donations from community organizations, churches, and individual citizens. Annual food drives at the schools of Downey Unified School District are a primary source of donations.

The H.E.L.P.S. Room is located at Apollo Park within the Downey Community/Senior Citizens Center. Office hours are: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday and Friday.

DUSD PTA Unit Volunteer Schedule

(2022-2023 school year)

2nd: Williams

7th: Warren