Local Charities Endure Through Crisis

By Audrey Richardson
Special To The Standard
The winter holidays have always been a time for local charities to jump into action, and this year has been no different. Despite the heightened degree of devastation with hurricane Irene, charities like Neighbors Helping Neighbors out of Bridgewater and the Woodstock Food Shelf are still reaching their goals of helping local families in need.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors raised more money than ever this year and made the decision that it was best spent in support of those affected by Irene. According to chair and treasurer, Mary Oldenburg the group raised approximately $35,000 for Irene efforts through charitable donations. Neighbors Helping Neighbors is not an Irene based charity, but with the serious and wide spread implications of the late summer disaster they felt there was no better way to be of service. “Historically we would have received more for the general fund, but we decided to generate money for Irene and put our energy there.
The charity put a significantly smaller amount towards their general need fund. Oldenburg describes Neighbors Helping Neighbors as a first line of defense for those in need in the Bridgewater and surrounding areas. Established in 2004, Neighbors Helping Neighbors helps people in emergency need situations pay for things like oil for heat, food and the occasional rent. “We haven’t had a lot of people asking for help, but as the winter goes on we might see more requests,” said Oldenburg. The organization has a limit on the amount of money provided to a family but they have not turned anyone away with an appropriate request.
“With other organizations you need to fill out a lot of paper work, before you can get help. We wanted this to be a quick one time help to those in serious need,” explained Oldenburg about the purpose of the charity. Oldenburg sees some pretty steady contributions made but locals every year, but says that they are always looking for donations.
As for the Woodstock Food Shelf, secretary and chair Laura Kent also reports having a strong year of funds and support. “Our food donations only make up 20 percent. We really count on monetary donations to buy the other 80 percent, “said Kent. This year Kent gives ample credit to Woodstock’s second homeowners for generously supporting the Food Shelf. “The Community has been fantastic and I think it is healthy for people to know that the second homeowners are really stepping it up and supporting the local community,” said Kent
Every year the Food Shelf focuses on Thanksgiving as one of their major food supplying events. According to Kent, in 2010 they fed 81 families and in 2011 they fed 134 families for the holiday. As of November, the Food Shelf had supplied 255 families with food, a 65 family increase from last year. “The need is real, it is almost tangible,” said Kent. Like Neighbors Helping Neighbors, the Food Shelf depends solely on donations and does not actively fund raise. However according to Kent the community understands the need and is responding. “Even with a 33 percent more people in need we are managing to stay even,” explained Kent.
Although the holidays have passed, there is still a long winter ahead and these local charities are prepared to meet the needs of their community. For help or to make a donation to one of these charities, call Neighbors Helping Neighbors at 672-1818 and The Woodstock Food Shelf at 457-1185.