Empowering rural Communities
The Help Agency is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving those in rural poverty since 1993. We operate within the stunning Ocala National Forest, which, spanning over 430,000 acres, is the second oldest and second largest forest in the United States, established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908. Within this expansive forest, approximately 45,000 residents face significant challenges, including abject rural poverty. In response to this need, we launched SoZo Kids to support and uplift as many families and children as possible. Our impact is substantial: through our food banks and feeding sites, we now reach over 7,500 people every month.
Our journey began more than twenty years ago with a generous $25 gift certificate from the local Winn-Dixie, which helped us start filling our empty shelves. Since then, we have grown significantly, expanding our services to address not only immediate food needs but also the broader issues faced by our clients, many of whom live without electricity and running water.
In addition to providing food, the Help Agency works to break the cycle of poverty through education, mentoring, teen pregnancy prevention, and opportunities for a brighter future. From our humble beginnings to our extensive array of programs today, we remain committed to making a meaningful difference in our community with compassion and love.
The Help Agency believes that if the same people that are being fed and helped can become better educated and be given the opportunity for a better tomorrow, then they will no longer have need of being served, but now become the servers to help put an end to abject rural poverty.
Together, we're making strides to end rural poverty in the Ocala National Forest.
Community Happenings
Christmas 2025
Christmas sign ups for Help Agency of the forest start:
October 13 --- December 5
We CANNOT sign up late,
We CANNOT due to Toys For Tots regulations .
Just need to bring your ID and some proof of having the child. ZIP CODES
We can ONLY sign up following Zip Codes:
32133
32162
32134
34488
32183
32179
@ Help Agency of the Forest(in front of Ocklawaha bridge Baptist church)
14100 E Hwy 40 Silver Springs, Fl 34488
Mon-Wed-Fri 9-12pm
Technically, the age cut off is 12 years old, we will try our very best to help with teens.
You cannot sign up over the phone.
You cannot sign up by messaging one of my staff!
You cannot sign up by Facebook.
You must fill out the paper!
This is absolutely imperative
Also, if you signed up with another agency, you'll be void from getting toys from us. That is the rule with Toys For Tots and no exceptions. We will post alternate dates and times for those who work during these times, so just keep a lookout on Facebook under Sozo Kids & David Houck. We don't know what they are yet because we have to get people to be available to do the sign up with you. We definitely understand and we're glad that you're working.
