Monday, January 30, 2012
Good Neighbors Fund passes 2010 collection total
The most recent charity campaign now stands just short of its goal of $175,000.
Good Neighbors Fund
Donation form
About the Good Neighbors Fund
Previous Good Neighbors Fund stories
- 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
- Mom's illness took toll on daughter's life
Total amount raised
As of today...
Donations to the 2011 Good Neighbors Fund drive have surpassed the amount collected in 2010. As of Jan. 28, this year's campaign totaled $172,001.15, just short of the goal of $175,000.
"Our community is very generous," said Debbie Denison, executive director of Roanoke Area Ministries, which uses the money to support its Emergency Financial Assistance Program.
Many charities besides RAM have seen an uptick in giving as the economy begins to improve, she said, but "there is still a lot of need out there. It's going to be a while before the economy comes back."
"We are deeply appreciative of everyone who gave this year," said administrative assistant Jo-Anne Woody. In addition to the monetary donations, readers also contributed much-needed new coffee pots, an electronic picture frame and other items that will help with the agency's operation.
"The less we have to spend on those things, the more money we have to use for the needy," Denison said.
Often readers are so moved by the stories about those who have benefitted from the fund that they give more than money.
Marcus Poindexter, 38, who has muscular dystrophy and is raising four small children alone, was featured in a profile published Nov. 27. As a result, he has been in touch with some old friends and made some new ones. Many of them helped the family to have a good Christmas.
"The children got everything they asked for. It was excellent," he said.
Poindexter's health hasn't improved, but he no longer has to ride the city buses for hours every day to get the children to school. They have since transferred to one closer to their home and "the bus comes right to the house," Poindexter said. They love their new school, he said. "Everything is much better."
Poindexter was surprised and pleased by all the attention and assistance he's received.
"I really want to thank everyone who gave us help," he said.
Donors through Jan. 28 include:
The Carilion Family Practice Vinton Office in honor of E. Mark Watts, M.D.; Timothy Beirne, M.D.; Randall Rhea, M.D.; Henry Ivey, M.D.; Colleen James, D.O.; Colette Carver, N.P.; Julie Gearhart, N.P.; Dr. Elizabeth Gilmore The Star Valley Club in honor of charter members, Lucile Chapman and Rosemary Bilyeau
Katharine and Jim Morgan in honor of Mary Katharine Wimmer
An anonymous donor in honor of those in need
AmVets Auxiliary #40 in honor of Cordy and Bob King
