A NOTE IN pencil accompanied by a check for $100 arrives every year at the Peninsula Daily News as Christmas nears.
This year, the note read:
Peninsula Home Fund:
Thank you again for helping so many people, especially during these times when there are so many who need a hand up.
My small gift is sent with gratitude for my many blessings.
The Sequim widower who wrote the note is an Air Force veteran who has contributed to the fund since 2000.
For him, the Home Fund is about “standing up and being counted.”
It’s about making a “powerful gift that needs no wrapping paper,” he wrote in previous notes.
He carves the $100 out of a tight household budget, and he always wants the donation to be anonymous.
He’ll be in the “anonymous” portion of this coming Sunday’s list of Home Fund contributors, his donation in the PDN simply noted as “Sequim — $100” with his message.
Money almost gone
As of Monday this week, the Peninsula Home Fund — a safety net for North Olympic Peninsula residents when there is nowhere else to turn — had helped 3,941 individuals and 1,255 families in Jefferson and Clallam counties since Jan. 1.
As we move into winter, the toughest period of the year, all of the remaining money from last year’s fundraising campaign is almost exhausted.
Only $207 remains from the $268,389 contributed by individuals, couples, businesses, churches, organizations and school groups in 2013.
And what good it’s done! And for so many!
From Port Townsend to Forks, from Quilcene and Brinnon to Sequim and LaPush, money from the Home Fund, now in its 26th year, has paid for hot meals for seniors; warm winter coats for kids; bus passes; keeping the power on; home repairs for a low-income family; needed prescription drugs; dental work; safe, drug-free temporary housing; eyeglasses — the list goes on and on.
What the fund will do for our North Olympic Peninsula community in 2015 . . . depends on how much is raised in 2014.
For the record, forever
The list of Home Fund donors in the PDN every Sunday is tangible evidence and a historical record of thoughtfulness and caring.
The lists of gracious donors are preserved forever in the PDN — on paper, on microfilm and in the digital universe of the Internet.
A donation from Margaret (Peggy) Conley of Port Angeles came with this note and was recorded in last Sunday’s list:
[This is for] anyone in need. I am on housing and utility assistance.
I received a small check from family and would like to share half with someone in need.
Glad to share. Merry Christmas. God bless!
Staff members of the Peninsula Daily News raised $767.50 this year from a silent auction and raffle at the company Christmas party.
From the Faith in Action Team at Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Port Angeles:
God has placed in the hearts of members of our {team] the desire to provide financial support for your efforts.
In response to this spiritual leading, we enclose a donation and pray that God will bless your work.
‘I know what it’s like’
A past donor from Port Townsend gave $70.70 to the Home Fund.
She included this note:
I know what it’s like.
It was about 50 years ago.
I want to do my part to improve someone’s future.
The Home Fund often gets donations that are completely anonymous.
There was no name or address written on an envelope we received at our front desk last year, no ID whatsoever.
Inside was a note, with only two words: “God’s Tithe.”
It was wrapped around a money order for $1,744.
A few years back, a $10 bill arrived, accompanied by an unsigned note in an envelope postmarked Long Beach, Calif.:
Dear Everybody at the Peninsula Home Fund:
You helped me in 2006.
Now I want to return the favor. I wish it was more, but it is all I can afford.
I want to help others in need. Thank you so much.
‘In memory of’
In addition to those whose gifts to the Home Fund are accompanied by notes expressing goodwill and compassion for their neighbors, many residents designate their contributions in memory of loved ones.
For some, the grief is fresh.
In memory of . . .
In honor of . . .
Cal and Karen Roedell, Port Angeles — In memory of CJ White. Our grandson had a heart for people. We are honored to be able to help and to recognize CJ’s love for the people God loves.
For others, the fund has become a way to honor their friend or family member each year during the holiday season.
Home Fund donations are their Christmas or New Year’s gifts.
[From] Sherman Oaks, Calif. — $400. In honor of Patty, Randy, Sarah, Daniel and Donald. Thank you for your love and generosity. — S.
Port Angeles — $110. In honor of Vasili Arkhipov. Thank you for the last 51 years.
In memory of my true love, who firmly believed everyone should give a hand up to those less fortunate.
To honor the marriage of . . .
In honor of the caring staff of . . .
A gift honoring our grandchildren . . .
In honor of Grandpa, who dedicated himself to his country and community, with thanks for your service, your faith and your good works.
Shoestring philanthropy
The Home Fund is not a welfare program.
The average amount of help is usually below $100 — this year it has been $69.16 per person — with a limit of one grant from the fund within 12 months.
But even though the dollar figure is small — some call it “shoestring philanthropy” — the impact can be big, in huge, life-changing ways:
Instances of help are designed to get an individual or family through a crisis — and every effort is also made to put them back on the path to self-sufficiency.
OlyCAP — nonprofit Olympic Community Action Programs — the No. 1 emergency-care agency on the Peninsula — manages the Peninsula Home Fund for the PDN, screens the applicants, carefully disburses the funds and provides life-changing counseling and services to those who need a “hand up, not a handout.”
As we’ve written about many times, volunteer Home Fund case managers at OlyCAP will 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.
And, as needed, Peninsula Home Fund contributions are often used in conjunction with money from other agencies, enabling OlyCAP to stretch the value of the contribution.
No money is deducted by the Peninsula Daily News for administration, fees or any other overhead.
Every penny contributed goes to OlyCAP to support our neighbors in need in Jefferson and Clallam counties.
Applying for a grant
To apply for a Peninsula Home Fund grant, phone OlyCAP at 360-452-4726 (Clallam County) or 360-385-2571 (Jefferson County).
If you have any questions about the fund, phone me, John Brewer, PDN publisher and editor, at 360-417-3500.
Or email me at jbrewer@peninsuladailynews.com. Many thanks.
