[MHF] – The Michael Hoefflin Foundation Food Assistance Program helps put food on the tables of families battling pediatric cancer by providing $200 in grocery cards each month, for up to 12 months.

Help us kick off 2014 by raising our first month of Food Assistance support – $4,000 for the month of January. It’s all part of the #GivingTuesday campaign right here in Santa Clarita.

The MHF Family Food Assistance Program specifically helps qualifying families of children diagnosed with cancer who live within our service area. Cancer takes an emotional as well as financial toll on a family. Parents often have to leave their jobs partially, or entirely, while their child undergoes treatment. The loss of income often causes financial difficulty and family stress.

We provide food assistance for up to one year, depending on the family’s circumstances. By donating to MHF’s Food Assistance Program, you will help to insure families battling pediatric cancer will have food on the table, and that parents are able to be with their children during this devastating time. The need is great and the time is now! This is your chance to pay it forward. Your donation of any amount will help us achieve our target of helping 20 local families beginning in the new year.

From the MHF website (www.MHF.org), select an amount from the “OPTIONS” menu, or give through the “Donate Now” button. Checks can be mailed to: 26470 Ruether Avenue, Unit 101, Santa Clarita, CA 91350. Donations can be processed over the telephone by calling 661-250-4100.

“We know that the generosity of the community of Santa Clarita will shine through this holiday season and into the new year,” said Gillian Stone, MHF executive director. “Donating to our food assistance program is an opportunity for your money to go straight to those who truly need support in their time of crisis. The impact you make will not be forgotten.”

For more information about the mission of MHF, visit www.MHF.org.

The Michael Hoefflin Foundation for children’s cancer is a public non-profit 501(c) (3) foundation serving children and families touched by pediatric cancer in the Santa Clarita and surrounding valleys. For more information contact us at (661) 250-4100 or go to www.MHF.org.