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player ready...Each year since 1959, those who donate to the annual Help Them To Hope campaign become part of a legacy of giving to people who need food, clothing and shelter.
With a total of $43,326.18 at the close of its 62nd year, the campaign — which collects donations throughout the year, tallies them from November through the early weeks of the new year and then awards local service agencies with funds for their mission — is being considered a success by its board of directors.
Not bad for a time when a pandemic continues to ravage the health and finances of families, said HTTH secretary Rosemary Alfredson.
“I was quite surprised,” Alfredson said. “Hopefully this can continue.”
This year’s figure is nearly $5,000 more than last year.
To HTTH president Rich Ribando, the money donated from mostly individuals, along with some groups and businesses, is a continuous affirmation that people are generous.
“These are tough times, and without knocking on any doors, people just gave from their heart,” he said.
A few messages Ribando would like to leave for Lake County residents as they welcome a new year are that while the incredible need may not always be obvious, it’s there.
“If you see a child, you don’t know if that child has had a meal or hasn’t eaten since breakfast the day prior,” he said.
The local social service agencies that HTTH funds with donations provide some assistance to those specific needs that families have during hardships.
That’s why Ribando said the board is also looking for new blood to join the board and for local businesses to become sponsors of the administrative costs the board absorbs each year, so that every penny donated continues to be given to those who could really use hope and a helping hand.
To learn more about how to join the HTTH team, visit www.helpthemtohope.com