EDITOR’S NOTE — For 19 years, Peninsula Daily News readers in Jefferson and Clallam counties have supported the “hand up, not a handout” Peninsula Home Fund.
Today we feature another in a series of articles on how the fund operates and who benefits from our readers’ generosity.
The next article will appear Wednesday.
PORT ANGELES — Friends, family and clients enjoy being with Crystal Oleson.
Cheerful and optimistic, Crystal, a registered nursing assistant who works as a companion and aide to the elderly, has a clear gift for turning a disheartened frame of mind 180 degrees.
“Lots of elderly people need care, plus a companion to help get their spirits up,” says Crystal.
“I feel one of the best things I have to offer my clients is my positive energy, and I’m a person who really does care about them.”
Crystal and one of her clients love to bake, and they often spend the day together in the woman’s kitchen.
She taught another client to crochet because creativity and completing projects is good for self-esteem.
She often drives clients to doctors’ appointments or to the grocery store.
“Everyone needs to have somebody who cares and someone to have fun with,” says Crystal.
She hopes someday to buy a sewing machine so she can do even more for her clients.
When Crystal was in need of assistance herself, the Peninsula Daily News’ Peninsula Home Fund was there to provide a “hand up, not a handout.”
Without any deductions for administration or other overhead, the Home Fund is a safety net for people in Jefferson and Clallam counties like Crystal when they suddenly face an emergency situation and can’t find help elsewhere.
Donations from the community are vital to the success of the fund — 100 percent of the dollars donated go directly to assist those in need on the North Olympic Peninsula.
So far in 2008, the donations have been felt in powerful, meaningful ways in the lives of more than 2,850 families and individuals like Crystal across the Peninsula.
“I don’t like the idea of people knowing personal stuff about me,” says Crystal.
“But I want people to know how people like them [who have donated to the Home Fund] have helped people like me when I was flat broke.
“I cannot express enough how very grateful I am for help from Home Fund.”
Couldn’t go to work
Crystal, 23, lives in Port Angeles, but her clients — she works for Caregivers Home Health and Homecare Team — are in homes in the Sequim area
She was in a real bind when her car broke down — and she didn’t have the $150 needed to repair it.
“I only make enough money to pay for rent, day care (for her daughter, Lilly, 4), food and gas — it all adds up, and there is no money for extras,” says Crystal.
“Without a car, I couldn’t get to work or take my daughter to preschool, so I was a bit panicked.”
It was suggested that Crystal contact OlyCAP — Olympic Community Action Programs, the No. 1 emergency care agency on the North Olympic Peninsula.
In addition to OlyCAP’s wide array of services, it manages the Peninsula Home Fund for the PDN, screening applicants and dispersing the funds.
She was told to bring proof of her employment and a written estimate from the auto repair shop.
“I met with a very sweet woman there, Betty,” says Crystal.
“She took all my information, and then I walked out the door with a voucher for $150 to get my car fixed.”
Crystal was ecstatic she didn’t have to miss any work.
Without the help from the Home Fund, she says, she doesn’t know how she would have gotten to work.
If she couldn’t work, she couldn’t pay her bills — a dire consequence for anyone who lives paycheck to paycheck.
From Thanksgiving through Dec. 31, the PDN’s Peninsula Home Fund is seeking contributions for its 2008 holiday season fundraising campaign.
From Port Townsend to Forks, from Quilcene and Brinnon to LaPush, the fund is a “hand up, not a handout” when there is nowhere else to turn.
Every penny, every dollar, donated goes — without any deductions for administration or overhead — to making life better for children, teens, families and the elderly in Jefferson and Clallam counties.
The fund is used for hot meals for seniors, warm winter coats for kids, home repairs for the low income, needed eyeglasses and prescription drugs, dental work, safe, drug-free temporary housing . . . the list goes on and on.
The Peninsula Home Fund is unique and nonprofit:
• No money, not one penny, is deducted for administration or other overhead.
• All contributions are fully IRS tax-deductible.
• Your personal information is kept confidential.
Peninsula Daily News does not rent, sell, give or otherwise share your address or other information with anyone, or make any other use of it.
• All instances of help are designed to get an individual or family through the crisis — and back on the path to self-sufficiency.
That’s the “hand up, not a handout” focus of the fund.
• Whenever possible, Peninsula Home Fund case managers work with individuals or families to develop a plan to become financially stable — and avoid a recurrence of the emergency that prompted aid from the fund.
• Begun in 1989, the fund is supported entirely by Jefferson and Clallam residents.
Individuals, couples, businesses, churches, service organizations and school groups set a new record for contributions in 2007 — $193,312.
About $1,000 left
About $1,000 is left, and all the money will be spent by Dec. 31.
• Peninsula Home Fund contributions are often used in conjunction with money from other agencies, enabling OlyCAP to often stretch the value of a donation.
• Money is usually distributed in small amounts, usually up to $150.
• Assistance is limited to one time in a 12-month period.
To apply for a grant from the fund, phone OlyCAP at 360-452-4726 (Clallam County) or 360-385-2571 (Jefferson County).
If you have any questions about the fund, contact John Brewer, Peninsula Daily News editor and publisher, at 360-417-3500.
Or e-mail him at john.brewer@peninsuladaily news.com.
Peninsula Daily News publishes stories every Sunday and Wednesday during the fundraising campaign, reporting on how the fund works and, in the Sunday stories, also listing contributors.
While most of the money is raised between Thanksgiving and Dec. 31, the Peninsula Home Fund itself never closes.
Donations of any amount are always welcome.
Here is a list of donors whose contributions were processed between Dec. 11 and Dec. 18 — thank you very much for making a difference in the lives — and futures — of your neighbors like Crystal:
• Peninsula Daily News employees in Port Townsend, Sequim and Port Angeles ¬– $635.50. Proceeds from holiday silent auction. $19 in memory of James Roddick.
• The Lyres Club, Port Angeles — $100.
• John and Mary Wegmann, Port Angeles — $100. In memory of Dorothy Duncan.
• Elizabeth J. Burritt, Port Angeles — $25. In honor of those who reside in our local retirement complexes, who are alone during the holiday season without any contact with family members. The holidays are often very lonely and sad for these dear ones.
• Kenneth (Mike) and Patti Brandt, Sequim — $25. In memory of Margaret Mary Dewar.
• Peter and Peggy Horvitz, Bellevue — $500.
• Charlotte Petersen, Port Angeles — $400.
• Flora M. Marcus, Sequim — $100.
• Karl Martin, Port Angeles — $50.
• Andy and Jeanne Jubb, Carlsborg — $100.
• Tom and Jeannine Allen, Sequim — $100.
• JC and Pat S., Sequim — $200. Enclosed is our donation to the PDN Home Fund for 2008. Am sorry it’s a little less than last year’s due to the financial mess we are currently in nationally. Your fund is still the best I have ever seen, i.e., all funds go to locals in need with no expenses for personnel. God bless you.
• Joan P. Morrish, Port Angeles — $50. In memory of my son, Bert Raber.
• Ken and Marge Hansen, Port Angeles — $200. In memory of our parents.
• Joe Floyd and Barbara Noble, Sequim — $100.
• Patricia A. Donlin, Port Angeles — $100.
• Ralph and Maureen Fontaine, Sequim — $100.
• Gary and Elaine Nelson, Port Townsend — $50.
• Don and Susie Rapelje, Sequim — $100. In honor of Edna Rapelje.
• Mary Louise Melly, Port Angeles — $100. In honor of Peninsula College EHS, Educare, ECE and FLE staff and teachers. Thanks for another wonderful year of working together serving young children and families. You’re the best! M. Lou.
• Jack and Joyce Chiasson, Port Angeles — $100. In memory of our parents.
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested that the amount of their donation be kept private):
• Midge Bader, Port Angeles. In honor of my nieces, Anne, Cheri and Susan.
• Ann Chang, Port Angeles. In honor of my family. Thank you all for being you. You are the best.
• The Toggery, Port Angeles.
• 7 Cedars Casino, Sequim.
• Hooker’s Backhoe, Port Angeles.
• Pat Flood-Olympic Acupuncture, Port Angeles.
• Pacific Mist Books, Sequim.
• Mountain View Rebekah Lodge 34, Port Angeles.
• Olympic Springs, Inc., Carlsborg.
• Arnold and Debbie Schouten, Port Angeles.
• Alice B. Watkins, Port Angeles.
• Don and Andi Taylor, Sequim.
• Sam and Martha Baker, Port Angeles.
• Kathryn J. Hofer, Port Angeles. In memory of Dale Hofer.
• Nancy, Angie, Eric and Ronald Hansen, Port Angeles. In memory of Cliff and Cliffy. You will be forever in our hearts. We miss you.
• Charles and Corrine Horton, Sequim. In memory of our parents.
• Ethel Butler, Port Angeles. In honor of Harold Butler.
• John and Renee Jones, Sequim.
• Daphne Raymond, Port Angeles. In memory of Leo and Brian Raymond.
• Keith and Fran Wollen, Port Angeles.
• Don and Juanita Jones, Port Angeles.
• John and Rosemary Forster, Port Angeles.
• Robert and Jeanette Quick, Port Ludlow.
• Bill and Virginia Kinney, Sequim.
• Paul and Paula Slyh, Sequim. In memory of loved ones.
• Paul S. Hanway, Sequim.
• Dorothy Haller Munkeby, Port Angeles. In memory of Dr. Terry Munkeby.
• Larry and Pat Ledbetter, Port Angeles. In memory of Mac Ledbetter and Everett Anderson.
• Bill and Sharon Alton, Port Angeles.
• Barbara Clampett, Port Angeles. In memory of Bruce Clampett.
• Jim and Faith Haynes, Sequim.
• Rosemary Kane, Port Angeles. In honor of M. Bader.
• Bill and Barb Pearl, Port Angeles.
• Penny Ervin, Port Angeles. In honor of my Dad — Doug Cudd; sisters — Sandy Cudd, Terry Hoch, Deborah Alcafaras and Colleen Cudd — Merry Christmas.
• Robert and Barbara Boekelheide, Sequim. In honor of Eric and Isaac.
• Bob and Gayla Nuffer, Sequim.
• Walter and Edith Rowell, Centennial, Colo. An alternative Christmas gift for Ben and Donna Pacheo from Mom & Dad R.
• Robert and Carol Gudgel, Port Angeles.
• Eldora Pederson, Port Angeles.
• Candace and Mike Shale, Sequim.
• Mark and Pat Lewis, Sequim.
• Darold and Kay Seed, Port Angeles.
• Harlan and Laurene Haugland, Port Angeles.
• Bob and Deloris Donaldson, Sequim. In honor of Bob and Jan Gross.
• Jim and Jette Monahan, Carlsborg.
• Linda Button, Port Angeles. In memory of Don Wildman. Missing your opinion about now.
• Patricia A. and Mark A. Hannah, Port Angeles.
• Mike and Freda Tallmadge, Port Angeles. In memory of Fred and Phyllis Simmerer and Mary Tallmadge.
• Richard Aksumit, Sequim.
• Bette VanManen, Sequim. In memory of Bob McClintick.
• Ernest and Frances Oxton, Port Ludlow.
• Joe and Renee Bleile, Sequim. In memory of Midge Wotasiak. Mom: You’re missed so much.
• Lorraine Schouten, Port Angeles.
• H.J. and D.M. Legg, Carlsborg. In memory of Daily Richardson.
• Anna Clawson, Port Angeles. In memory of Bob Clawson.
• Loren and Vera Glica, Port Angeles.
• Jodi O’Neill, Port Angeles. In memory of Col. F.M. O’Neill.
• Dan and Patricia Nellis, Sequim.
• John and Lydia Courney, Sequim.
• Marolyn and Herb Russell, Port Angeles. In loving memory of Will Muller.
• Homer and Karla Muto, Port Angeles.
• Pat Nix, Sequim.
• Coy Thomas, Port Angeles. In memory of Bill Thomas Sr.
• George and Shirley Williams, Port Townsend. In honor of Keith and Manine.
• Christina E. Gutmacher and Andrew J. Stevenson, Port Angeles.
• Phil and Janie Hill, Port Angeles. In memory of Francis Sanford and Patricia Woodcock.
• James and Mary Jane Moore, Sequim. In honor of family.
• Julie and Jim Haguewood, Port Angeles.
• Judie Sharpe, Port Angeles. In honor of Tom Sharpe.
• Bud and Ginny Bowling, Sequim.
• Daniel and Barbara Hart, Port Angeles. In memory of Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Belcher and Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Hart.
• Grace Wanrow, Sequim. In memory of Michael Wanrow.
• David and Barbara Neil, Sequim.
• Ron and Lois Schroeder, Port Angeles. In loving memory of our grandson, Matthew Cason.
• Tom and Evelyn Campbell, Sequim.
• Randy and Kim Lemon, Port Angeles.
• Fred and Ann Weinmann, Port Townsend.
• Randy and Jan Tierney, Sequim. In honor of Jane Kutsher.
• Joan Walker, Sequim. In memory of all my loved ones.
• Mrs. Willard Muller, Port Angeles. In loving memory of Willard Muller.
• Ruth S. Bagley, Sequim.
• Sandy and Nancy Goldstien, Sequim.
• Joyce Morden and Joe Tamony, Port Angeles. In honor of Pete Frederick.
• Kathy and Jim Wesley, Port Angeles.
• John and Ruth Weston, Sequim.
• Ron and Karen Coles, Port Angeles. In memory of Geraldine Jensen.
• Harold and Shirley Van Riper, Sequim. In honor of the Van Riper family in Sequim. and Sekiu.
• Heather Peters, Chimacum. In memory of Jack Phillips. For my Grampy, who taught me that it’s the little kindnesses that matter most. You are deeply missed, and thought of with love at Christmas and always.
• Jay and Alicia Crawford, Sequim. In memory of Maya liongirl.
• Richard Serkes and Theresa Killgore, Port Angeles.
• Ralph Lochridge and Katherine Van Giffen, Irvine, Calif.
• John and Berni Schuy, Sequim.
• David and Francie Louden, Port Angeles. To express our appreciation to our wonderful mail carrier, Maureen, on upper Mount Pleasant Road.
• Carolyn Gill, Sequim.
• Cliff and Helga Johnson, Port Angeles.
• Lynn and Jenifer Taylor, Port Townsend.
• Cynthia Spawn, Port Angeles.
• Dottie Hopkins, Port Angeles. In honor of Cindy.
• David and Ann Salmon, Sequim. In memory of Leon and Ethel Salmon.
• Donna Moreau, Port Angeles. In honor of Tami and Erin. Thanks for all your support.
• Don and Carole Tipton, Sequim.
• Tom and Sandra Stewart, Port Townsend. In memory of Josh.
• Don and Bobbie Mason, Sequim.
• Joe and Karen Holtrop, Sequim.
• Kathy Gresli, Port Angeles. In memory of Dan.
• May Y. Carrell, Port Angeles.
• Laurine and James A. Drennan, Port Angeles.
• John and Freia Palmer, Port Angeles.
• Angelo and Brenda Spandrio, Sequim.
• Al and Kitty Gross, Port Angeles.
• Millie and Jack Lyon, Port Angeles. In honor of Carmele.
• Josephine Soltis, Sequim. In honor of Mrs. Linda Henricksen.
• Ivory Brummet Charitable Contribution via USAA, San Antonio, Texas.
• Kay McClurken, Port Angeles. In memory of Chuck and Al.
• Roger Drake, Port Angeles.
• Ray and Janet Morgan, Port Angeles.
• Lindsay Johnson, Port Angeles. In honor of Dr. Irwin, Dr. Riggs, Dr. Temres, Dr. Johnson and Dr. Mowery of Irwin Dental Center, in the spirit of the season, a donation has been made in recognition of the generosity our doctors have shown to us and our community. We look forward to another wonderful year. Your Irwin Dental Center Staff.
• Robert L. Hill, Sequim.
• Dan Brausch, Marysville.
• Cindy and John Mackay, Sequim. In memory of Loretta Barrell .
• Joyce Gallagher, Port Angeles.
• Leonard and Linda Rasmussen, Port Angeles.
• Carol Simon and Paul Willems, Port Townsend.
• Pat and Mitzi Loop, Sequim. In memory of Fritz Bruning.
• Jack and Kaye Ronda, Sequim.
• Bud and Sandra Fetter, Port Angeles. In memory of Harriett Drechsel.
• Monte Rivett, Port Angeles. In memory of Bob and Rose Rivett.
• Jacob and Karin Dethlefs, Sequim.
• Kevin B. Willson, Port Angeles.
• Katie and Mike Yeager, Port Angeles. In memory of Ben.
• Tony Rumore, Port Angeles. In honor of Nina Rumore.
• Sonje Beal, Syracuse, Utah. In memory of Craig Baughman.
• David and Barbara Allen, Forks. In memory of Barney and Sylvia Murphy.
• The Ray and Donna Guerin Family Foundation, Sequim.
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested anonymity):
• Port Townsend — $1,000.
• Port Angeles — $101.
• Port Angeles — $150.
• Port Angeles — $50.
• Sequim — $500.
• Sequim — $100. In memory of our parents.
• Sequim ¬– $75.
• Port Angeles — $150.
• Port Angeles — $50.
• Port Angeles — $200.
• Sequim — $100.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Sequim — $500.
• Port Angeles — $250.
• Port Angeles — $10.
• Port Ludlow — $100.
• Sequim — $50.
• Port Angeles — $1,000.
• Port Ludlow ¬– $1,000.
• Port Angeles — $200.
• Sequim — $100.
• Sequim — $20.
• Carlsborg — $100.
• Sequim — $100.
• Sequim — $1,000
• Nordland — $25.
• Portage, Mich. — $100.
• Sequim — $200.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Port Angeles — $50.
• Port Angeles — $200.
• Port Angeles — $1,000. In honor of parents.
• Sequim — $40.
• Port Angeles — $50.
• Port Angeles — $150.
• Sequim — $100.
• Port Angeles — $25.
• Port Angeles — $200. In memory of Lillian Kollinger and Dorothy Reichhardt.
• Sequim — $50.
• Sequim — $25.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Port Angeles — $1,000.
• Sequim — $100. In memory of Glenn Simkins and Gilbert Mickel.
• Port Angeles — $25 In honor of Sue Lea.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Port Angeles — $25.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Forks ¬– $20.
• Sequim ¬– $125. In memory of our parents.
• Port Angeles ¬– $25. In honor of the world’s environmentalists.
• Sequim — $100.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Sequim — $200.
• Port Angeles — $50.
• Port Angeles — $100. In memory of Eva Lane.
• Sequim — $100.
• Sequim — $100.
• Sequim — $300.
• Port Angeles — $400. In memory of Bal Balducci.
• Sequim — $25.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Sequim — $50.
• Port Townsend — $100.
• Port Angeles — $15. In memory of Betty Ashley.
• Port Townsend — $10.
• Sequim — $45.
• Port Townsend — $50.
• Sequim — $100.
• Port Hadlock — $100. In memory of Gordon, Dena and Jerome Brown.
• Port Angeles — $75.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Port Townsend — $100.
• Sequim — $100.
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EDITOR’S NOTE — We make every effort to ensure that all donors have been properly listed. We apologize for any omissions or inaccuracies.
Please report any errors in this list to John Brewer, 360-417-3500 (there’s voice mail if he’s away) — or e-mail him at john.brewer@peninsuladailynews.com.
We’ll rerun the listing correctly. Our sincerest appreciation again to our donors.
