Monday, February 01, 2010
Donors also volunteer
Good Neighbors Fund
Donation form
About the Good Neighbors Fund
Previous Good Neighbors Fund stories
- Good Neighbors Fund passes 2010 collection total
- Good Neighbors total ahead of last year's
- Still time to get a cookbook
- Mom wishes for a steady job
- Woman, 93, loves to care for younger people
Total amount raised
As of today...
The 2009 Roanoke Times Good Neighbors Fund drive is almost over. Although donations will be accepted until March 31, "nothing much comes in after January," said Debbie Denison, executive director of Roanoke Area Ministries. The agency administers the funds through its Emergency Financial Assistance Program.
At the end of January, the total stood at $166,093, well short of last year's record $191,277.
"I think it's great, considering the economy," Denison said. "Thanks to everyone. We couldn't do this without them."
As in past years, the profiles of those who have been helped by RAM moved some readers to help in other ways.
Helen Lee, 75, nearly blind and suffering from diabetes, needed work on her house that she was unable to afford. Two anonymous donors paid to have her water turned back on so that one of the six plumbers who offered to repair a leak could find it, said Jo-Anne Woody, RAM's administrative assistant. A volunteer fixed a faulty gas valve so Lee could have heat this winter. Another agency donated a phone with oversized buttons so she could make calls on her own, and someone else worked on her roof, Woody said. "She was in desperate need."
Although RAM discourages monetary donations made directly to individuals, the staff is pleased when readers volunteer their time and services to those in need.
"It's much more than we could have done," Woody said, "and it's great for them to go out and see these people themselves.
Donors through Jan. 28:
An anonymous donor in honor of Betty Bane Stanley
An anonymous donor in honor of Nick Beasley
An anonymous donor in memory of Betty and Jack Newbill, Doris Lee, "40" Hopkins, W.J. Lawrence and in honor of the rest of the beach group who are still able to make the yearly jaunt to Litchfield Beach, S.C.
Diane Simmons
Don and Nancy Karnes
Lewis and Alleyne Goyette in honor of three wonderful children: Edward, Clare and Susan Goyette
Bob and Joel Richert in honor of Jack and Lois Trent
