Directory Sales Benefit Operation Feed

Columbus, Ohio, 31 May 2005 - It wasn't all fun and games when FIRSTLINK held its Operation Feed drive this spring. The agency invited the community to join in by offering a $5 donation to Operation Feed for each copy of the 2005 FIRSTLINK Directory ordered during the drive. The 25 books sold during the promotion added $125 to the generous cash-and-cans contributions of staff and enabled FIRSTLINK to donate the equivalent of nearly 28 meals per employee.

FIRSTLINK works to strengthen and enhance the quality of life in our community by mobilizing volunteers and connecting people to critical community resources. Last year, more than 190,000 callers sought resources from FIRSTLINK's 24-hour Information and Referral line.

The annual FIRSTLINK Directory provides immediate, comprehensive information about more than 5,000 human services programs in Franklin County. The 2005 Directory includes over 30 new agencies.

Professionals throughout Columbus consider the Directory to be an invaluable reference tool. The most comprehensive guide of its kind in Central Ohio, the Directory provides detailed information on social, educational, cultural, health, government, self-help and support services. With its quick-reference appendix and user-friendly alphabetical, subject and geographical indexes, the Directory offers easy access to more than 900 nonprofit, government and health care organizations.

"Programs and personnel are constantly changing," said Marilee Chinnici-Zuercher, president and CEO of FIRSTLINK. "A current Directory is a must-have for social workers, school guidance counselors, daycare workers, attorneys, law enforcement officers, clergy, human resources professionals, and others in our community who work for and with people."

FIRSTLINK also offers Internet access to community resources. The Directory Online, updated weekly, features seasonal programs, map links, client eligibility, service boundaries and associated fees for each program.

The print version of the Directory sells for $50 (nonprofit) or $75 (for-profit), with a 10 percent discount on orders of 10 books or more. A one-year nonprofit license for the Directory Online is $100, with discounts offered for multiple subscriptions.