By Myra Miller
Lifestyle Editor
The season to give is now and the season to pay it forward is now. Two Eunice residents know the feeling very well of receiving.
The Eunice Food Bank has been a tremendous help for Dorsey Janice Jr., 60, and Eva Cushman, 54, both of Eunice.
Both agreed that if it would not be for Eunice having the Food Bank, it would harder to get by each month.
Janice lives alone and is disabled due to an accident seven years ago. He said, “I was pushing my bicycle along the side of the roadway, and off the shoulder, when a drunk driver hit me. I had a broken femur bone, a plate in my head, and an injured shoulder. I was in ICU in New Orleans for three months.” Janice, an amputee, wears a prosthesis at his left knee.” Janice says he is blessed to be alive.
Janice receives assistance from the government, a SSI disability. He does visit the Eunice Food Bank once a week, since two years ago. “I only come by when I need. I don’t like to abuse it. There are many families that need food and staples more than I do.”
Janice normally will try to get canned goods, and sometimes meat.
Janice was employed for nearly 14 years in pipeline and construction business for Slick Construction.
Janice said that he is extremely grateful for the food bank in Eunice. “I think it’s very important. There are a lot of families with children that need food. Sometimes it’s hard to get assistance.” Janice knew of the Eunice Food Bank all of his adult life, and is glad that he can go by when he is in need.
Evan Cushman, 54, a St. Elizabeth Manor resident, is grateful for the Food Bank in Eunice. Cushman is disabled for nearly 30 years. “All my adult life I have suffered with issues, physically and mentally. I have seizures, and suffer with this. My nerves are not great.” Cushman receives government assistance, food stamps, and a SSI check. However, she says that the Eunice Food Bank helps when she is in need. “I come by once a month, every other month. I have to make my income stretch each month. I still have to pay an electric bill, insurance, medications and a phone bill.”
Cushman receives all staples when she goes by the Food Bank, canned goods, paper goods and meats.
Cushman said that the Food Bank in Eunice is very important. “There is a need. Many families are in desperate need. Miss Mary Ann is so helpful and nice.”
The annual Food Drive at the Eunice Food Bank is scheduled for Dec. 5.