Group seeks help for disabled man

Friends of Linda and Jerry Riley, residents of Woodford Street in Youngstown, are seeking assistance from local organizations and individuals to help the couple create a handicapped accessible home.

Linda and Jerry were married in 1966. Jerry worked for the state and then transferred to the city.

The couple began taking in foster children soon after being married and continued to do so until 1994-1995. They still keep in touch with several of those children.

Over the years, they have delivered food to families in need and helped bring Christmas to those who could not afford it. Jerry was active with The Knights of Columbus and still maintains his membership. They were both involved at St. Dominic’s and St. Christine’s until health issues interfered with their volunteer work. Both were also active with Catholic charities.

In 1986, Jerry became ill and was no longer able to work. He had to accept disability and therefore was not allowed to collect his pension. Linda had to go back to work to fill in the void that was left in the household income.

Jerry’s health has declined making him unable to get around the house and Linda became too ill to work, cutting the household income even further. Jerry now requires 24 hour care, seven days a week and Linda is his caregiver.

A series of fundraisers is being planned in the months ahead. In the meantime, an account has been set up at Huntington Bank to help the couple defray the cost of home renovation.

Donations can be made at any Huntington bank, with checks payable to the Linda and Jerry Riley Benefit Fund. Donations can also be made online at http://www.gofundme.com/4qk8sc.