Helping Hands won’t close — for now

Group raises more than $16K, will continue assisting seniors

Wednesday was slated to be its last day, but Helping Hands of Yuma got some help of their own recently with more than $16,000 in donations, allowing them to stay open and continue providing free services to seniors in the community.

Amy Obney, the organization’s new executive director, has worked with Helping Hands since 2009. Former executive director Carol Brown recently resigned from the position.

“I just couldn’t stand the thought of it closing,” Obney said. “So I started reaching out to people I thought could help.”

She had an initial goal of raising $12,000 to keep Helping Hands afloat, but that was quickly surpassed by donors who requested anonymity. Obney said she was able to raise the majority of the money within a matter of hours last week. The total is currently at $16,400, and she increased the fundraising goal to $20,000.

“That’ll get us through the end of the year, and get us to our (annual) fundraisers at least,” Obney said. “We still have to continue to raise funds throughout the year.”

Helping Hands of Yuma has two upcoming fundraisers, the next of which will be its Super Yard Sale Fundraiser held Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gila Mountain United Methodist Church, 12716 N. Frontage Road. Business sponsors and volunteers are still needed for the event.

Obney praised the Yuma community for coming together and keeping Helping Hands alive after 22 years of providing service. The nonprofit provides transportation, repair services and much more to low-income seniors.

“It was going to leave seniors without a way to get food in their house,” Obney said. “Our volunteers are dependent on us too . ... This is their reason to get up — to help people.”

Donations are accepted by mail at P.O. Box 25043, Yuma, AZ 85367 or in person at 11776 S. Sheryl Drive. For more information, call 928305-9974.