Many ‘need more support than ever’
The end of the year is the season of giving for many, and The Giving Fund offers an opportunity for making a gift to help a fellow member of the local community.
The Giving Fund helps area residents who are struggling to meet their basic daily needs. Now in its 38th year, The Giving Fund sends donations directly to two local nonprofits, Greenwich-based Family Centers and Darien-based Person to Person, that help struggling families in Greenwich, Stamford, Darien and throughout lower Fairfield County.
On Thursdays and Sundays throughout the holiday season, The Stamford Advocate, Greenwich Time and The Darien Times are printing the stories of area residents who are in need of a helping hand.
“The Giving Fund plays an integral part in allowing community members to directly support their neighbors in need,” said Lauren Franciamore, chief programs officer at Darienbased Person to Person.
The monetary gifts can help individuals and families with the everyday expenses of paying a utility bill, buying food or covering part of a rent payment, for example.
“Many individuals visiting P2P’s three sites for food, financial assistance and clothing are working hard to provide stability for their families. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment, inflation and a number of other factors, many individuals need more support than ever this holiday season,” Franciamore said.
Donations to the Giving Fund “allows families to remain stable and safe in their homes,” she said.
Last year’s drive raised a record-setting $113,000 in donations.
“The Giving Fund plays an integral part in allowing community members to directly support their neighbors in need.” Lauren Franciamore, chief programs officer at Darien-based Person to Person.
The stories
Each case in the Giving Fund includes an estimated dollar amount to help an individual or family tackle everyday challenges such as rent payments, utility bills, winter clothing, child care costs or transportation.
The names in the stories have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals.
Case #360: Somalie, their spouse and children have lived in their apartment for a couple of years, but recently there have been incidents with bed bugs and mice. They are up to date with their rent and have done their due diligence to file incident reports with the Health Department. They have located a new apartment and will have to get rid of many of their belongings to prevent cross-contamination to their new place. Their main source of income is unemployment benefits. With a total deposit due of $2,700, a grant of $1,000 would help them toward paying the deposit and covering other moving expenses.
Case #361: Every month, Mayra struggles with her electric bill. Her sister, who has terminal pancreatic cancer, is at home all day and night with a nurse’s aide. Mayra is the sister’s only family in the U.S.; their family lives in another country in very poor conditions and cannot help financially. Mayra works as a housekeeper and tries to pay all her bills, but her electric bill just continues to increase. She can only pay $50 every month, making it difficult to cover the amount in full. A grant of $1,000 would her reduce the amount due on her electric bill and start the New Year with less stress.
Case #362: Maria has been struggling since her divorce, and while she has managed to keep her life somewhat stable, the COVID-19 pandemic has created hardship for her once again. Maria lost her job and now has to start over. She cannot afford to keep her home heated this month. A grant of $1,000 would allow her to stay warm during the holiday season.
Case #363: Joyce is the first to volunteer to help and the last one to leave an event as she is often busy stacking up chairs, sweeping and putting the room back in order. Although her 70-year-old body is not the same as it was 20 years ago, her spirit is still young and full of life. But it’s getting harder for Joyce to meet her daily needs, as her only source of income is Social Security, which is not enough to cover her rent and other household expenses. Joyce’s faith is unwavering, she strongly believes that her good deeds and big heart have kept her afloat. A gift of $500 would be a big help for this lovely lady.
Case #364: Gladys is an elderly woman who lives on her own. She has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and due to the cost of her treatments, medical items and medication, she has fallen behind on her rent. A gift of $500 would help her pay for rent and bills and get specific food items she needs to be healthy.
Case #365: Marie recently lost her job because her employer couldn’t make it through the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the summer, Marie has been struggling to find a job. Unfortunately, her monthly bills, including her rent, are continuing to pile up. A gift of $500 would allow her to pay her rent, catch up on her bills and give her a little breathing room and motivation to continue looking for employment.
Case #366: Joan suffers from an uncommon eye disorder that requires her to use a certain medication multiple times each day. Most people don’t know of her disorder, and she remains one of the most giving and selfless people out there. Joan chooses to give to others instead of giving to herself and her health has taken the brunt of this. A gift of $500 would provide Joan with the security to continue purchasing this necessary medication and bring her some comfort this holiday season.
Case #367: The past two years have been difficult for Margaret, a social butterfly who has struggled with the isolation during COVID-19 and with the increased cost of goods. Margaret has been saving a few dollars each month to purchase a new dresser, but finds herself with less in savings each month as most of her money must go toward paying her medical bills. A gift of $350 would provide Margaret with the opportunity to purchase a new dresser and have it delivered to her home.
Case #368: Mark has worked hard his entire life to provide for himself and stay independent, never letting anything stop him in his pursuit for his dreams. His hard work has finally paid off and Mark has been given the opportunity to move out of public housing and into an apartment all of his own. A gift of $500 would help Mark start this new chapter of his life and help toward purchasing kitchen supplies and a couch.
Case #369: Joe is one of the kindest people in his building, holding the door for others, carrying items to and from his neighbors’ rooms and assisting the staff with office tasks. Joe is the type of person who gives to everyone and never asks for anything for himself. Joe recently suffered a knee injury and now needs assistance walking. A gift of $350 would help Joe purchase a new walker as well as shoes with extra support.
All the Giving Fund cases will be listed online. To make a donation online, visit https://givingfund .isecuresites.com/.