The North Kent Service Center was organized as a non-profit agency in 1973 by a contingent of Rockford-area churches seeking to help families in need of food and clothing. We first operated just a few hours weekly out of the basement of a local business. In 2001, we were able to build our present facility, and today serve more than 8,500 individuals annually. As a United Way partner agency, the Center maintains high standards of operation, working closely with providers and others to prevent duplication of services. We are audited on a yearly basis, and draw our Board of Directors from a cross-section of ministers, church members and business leaders, all of whom live and work in this area. We typically rely on 650 volunteers, who make it possible for us to multiply the impact of each donated dollar.  In 2008, we will  be celebrating our 35th Anniversary of  "Helping our Neighbors in Need".