Goals and Wish List
There is always something
missing or needed. So many things have
been donated, but yet, there is need for other items. The Executive Board prepared our wish list and future goals.
A
major concern of all the volunteers is the ability to service clients on the
three days Christian Helping Hands is open.
If more volunteers were available, CHH could be open Monday through
Friday. It takes a minimum of ten
volunteers to operate the facility each day.
Please donate your TIME and TALENT!
Become a volunteer.
Christian Helping Hands’
primary focus is FOOD in times of crisis.
In the first six months of 2003, Christian Helping Hands has seen a 30%
INCREASE in new clients needing food, compared to the same six months in
2002. In 2003, it is estimated that 2,200
FAMILIES will come to CHH for food assistance, alone. While CHH receives tons of donated canned
goods, fresh meat, poultry or pork is rare. Frequently, clients only get wieners and canned meats. During the holidays, CHH collects turkeys,
chickens and hams. However, when they
are gone, it is back to the canned meats.
Occasionally, sausage is donated as a result of auctioned hogs at area
rodeos. Christian Helping Hands would
like more funding to purchase fresh meats to accompany the every-day menu with
the canned goods. Estimating 2,000
families in 2003, at least $ 25,000 would be necessary to meet these
needs. (Estimate based on: $ 1.25 per
pound, ten pounds of meat per family, times 2,000 families.)
Since the beginning of
Christian Helping Hands’ operation, CHH has provided school supplies for needy
students. In the past, a local Pearland
church offered free shoes and socks to qualifying students. For economic reasons, their program was
suspended. The volunteers foresee a
minimum of 500 students in August 2003 school year needing school supplies,
shoes and socks. The expression, “Dress
for Success” starts in kindergarten.
All students need an equal chance at success. Implementing the addition of school shoes and socks to the
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Program would mean a minimum of $ 20 per student or $ 10,000
for just ONE year.
The
volunteers work very hard each day.
They need safe lifting equipment and safety ladder to reach the top
shelves in the pantry warehouse.
Non-binding, verbal quotes from assorted sources indicate a combined
expenditure of $ 6,500 for the needed equipment.
The floor is sealed concrete. Our elderly volunteers would be most happy
if there were industrial pads in the isles.
Approximately 300 lineal feet of padding is needed at a cost of $
7,000.
At
the present time, Christian Helping Hands guidelines only allow $ 25 for
medical assistance, $ 50 for rent or utility assistance and $ 10 for emergency
fuel. These guidelines were
established in the mid-80’s. CHH would
like to double these assistance amounts, however, doubling these amounts
equates to additional funds needed, ranging from $ 18,000 to $ 36,000
annually.