Because we feel it is important that you know how and where your donations to Helping Hands are spent, here is what was done last week:
Electric 6 families $ 2,305.19
Water 1 family $ 113.23
Rent 20 families $ 18,514.70
Total $ 20.933.12
What a week! The snow, combined with loss of electricity and the freezing cold caused us to come to a screeching halt. Our store was closed both Saturday and Wednesday due to no heat or electricity. Fortunately there were relatively few calls on our helpline. We were able to begin scheduling appointments and meeting with those in need on Friday.
Our concern now is what is coming around the corner. The word is already out that there will be significant increases in everyone’s electric bills next month. Our concerns are for the elderly, the sick and those on fixed incomes and we will certainly be there to respond to their needs. And what about those families that have lost a week of work due to this recent storm?
Even though we hear repeatedly that cases of COVID are declining in our area, we still are inundated by people who are unable to work due to being quarantined. They also are a priority of ours. It is simply not their fault that they cannot go to work and there are few employers who will pay their employees for that time off.
So yes, it looks like we are in for a bumpy road ahead. But thanks to all of you who donate to us so generously we will be able to help as many people as we can get to. God bless you for your generosity!
LIMITED RESIDENTIAL PICKUPS RESUME
We are now able to do limited residential pickups of large items/donations by prior appointment only. To request a pickup please send a complete set of pictured items to midlandhelpinghands@gmail.com.
Leave your name and phone number in the email and we will be in contact with you. Requests must be made via email only at that address.