Even the after-effects of Hurricane Helene couldn’t stop SVdP Anderson, Indiana from hosting their annual Friends of the Poor Walk last September. “This event is the centerpiece of our fundraising for the year,” explains Becky, the event organizer, “so we weren’t going to cancel. When we saw the weather forecast, our local high school allowed us to move into the gym.”
“We start working on the event in March. Everything is done by volunteers — 81 of us in total. It’s a fundraising walk and a family festival, a chance for the community to come together and support neighbors who are struggling.”
More than 250 people attended, and 175 took part in the Walk. “It was a fantastic day,” Becky continues. “We had activities for kids and adults, including bounce houses, carnival games, balloon artists, and free ice cream.” A gift basket auction, 50/50 raffle, and an overflowing concession stand increased their overall fundraising. “We raised over $48,000 that will support our rent and utility assistance programs,” Becky says.
SVdP Anderson, IN serves a community with a poverty rate double the state average. Many people come to their Council for help because there are not sufficient services in the areas where they live. “Most of what we raise goes towards rental assistance, so people don’t lose their housing. Several of the families we work with are so far behind in payments that they’re facing eviction. We also help people catch up on gas
and utility bills. We are only open three hours a day, two days a week, but our all-volunteer staff served 1,870 families over the last 12 months.”
“I AM PROUD OF HOW OUR COUNCIL SERVES THE COMMUNITY,” SAYS BECKY. “WITH THE HELP OF OUR DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS, WE DISTRIBUTED $176,200 OF FINANCIAL AID, HOUSEHOLD ITEMS, AND EMERGENCY FOOD TO OUR NEIGHBORS IN NEED THIS YEAR.”
Thank you for helping our local Councils serve their communities well! Together we are Serving in Hope and bringing the love of Christ to those who need it most.
