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Christmas in July fundraiser serves as reminder
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Jacqueline “Jackie” Burley, of Protestant Family Service of the Greater Youngstown Area Inc., reminds people that the needs of those with limited resources don’t take a summer vacation.
By LINDA M. LINONIS
Youngstown
Needs of people with limited resources don’t take a vacation.
During the summer, donations to organizations that provide assistance tend to taper off though the need remains about the same.
Protestant Family Service of the Greater Youngstown Area Inc. helps individuals and families year-round. The agency, which is faith-based, strives to assist all who apply for aid. Donations from the community and fundraisers make its mission possible.
Jacqueline “Jackie” Burley, director, said the Christmas in July drive makes people aware that the need is ever present and doesn’t take a holiday. She said it reminds everyone that the “spirit of Christmas” should be remembered throughout the year.
For food, Burley said PFS needs peanut butter and jelly, cereal and beverages. “The usual pantry items are always in demand,” she said. Personal hygiene products, she said, also are needed.
Burley said families with children not in school for the summer face higher demand for groceries.
PFS recently filled its shelves with an order from Second Harvest Food Bank. Burley noted the PFS food pantry shelves often get down to the bare bones as the agency fulfills requests for emergency help. “It goes out as quickly as it comes in,” she said.
And that goes for the monetary fund as well. PFS helps people buy life-saving medication, pay rent and utilities and buy gas. “There are guidelines for help,” Burley said. As for food, a family has to be out of it. For utility help, gas, electric or water has to have been disconnected or the family has received a notice to disconnect.
Donations of food and personal hygiene products are collected regularly by churches of all denominations in the Valley and given to PFS. Clubs, service organizations and individuals also donate.
“We don’t receive any state or federal funds or from United Way,” Burley said.
Burley said economic times have turned the tables for some previous PFS donors. “Now, we sometimes see people who used to support us coming in for help,” Burley said.
On the other hand, Burley noted there are donors who have told her “when you have a need, call me.” She complimented the community and its residents on stepping up to help those less fortunate.
In the July PFS newsletter, two vignettes reveal different needs. “We see people from many walks of life,” Burley said.
One highlights a couple, both in their 60s, who are living on his Social Security and $30 a month in food stamps. Both have health issues, having had heart attacks and bypass surgeries. PFS helped provided food for the couple through a grant for Seniors in Crisis.
Another vignette showcased the plight of a single mother of four who recently graduated from a technical school but had not landed a job yet. PFS assisted with food and other necessities.
Caseworker Judy Wilson wrote, “I am always overwhelmed by the variety of needs of so many, but also overwhelmed to see the smiles of gratitude when we can help.”
Burley said the Seniors in Crisis grant of $11,000 came from the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio. Recipients must be 60 or older and meet PFS guidelines for assistance. Burley said the agency has received increased requests for help from this age group.
PFS also offers classes to people to learn about budgeting. “It’s about trying to make them self-sufficient,” Burley said. She said participants who save $300 from January into November will get a match of $300 from PFS to help them with Christmas.