CAN YOU IMAGE if you needed eyeglasses, but you couldn’t afford to buy them?
Could you read?
Could you see the faces of your children?
Could you drive or hold a job?
If you were a child, could you do your schoolwork?
Could you be self-sufficient?
Every year, the Peninsula Daily News’ “hand up, not a handout” Peninsula Home Fund provides new prescription eyeglasses to residents of Jefferson and Clallam counties.
They go to children, the elderly and others who are desperately trying to make ends meet.
Without glasses, they are pushed deeper into poverty.
They can’t learn.
They can’t work because they can’t see clearly.
Without the help of the Home Fund, these people often have to choose between purchasing food, medicine and clothes — or buying prescription eyeglasses at an average cost of $100.
Because of eyeglasses obtained through the Home Fund, children can succeed in school, unemployed adults can find jobs and support their families, and seniors can remain independent and safe in the dignity of their own homes.
Glasses can be priceless
Each person’s story is different, but every pair of glasses obtained through the Home Fund made an immediate and real difference to a grateful Peninsula resident.
■ A teenager in Port Angeles was failing in school — because he couldn’t see the words in his books.
His grades turned around when he received glasses through the Home Fund.
For him, the most valuable gift he ever got was a pair of eyeglasses.
■ For a woman in Port Townsend, new glasses allow her to drive her car to work.
They let her maintain her job as a health aide and read stories to her grandchildren.
■ A retired U.S. Forest Service employee got new glasses through the Home Fund after his old ones literally fell apart.
He had Scotch-taped the lenses into the frames.
He couldn’t afford to buy a new pair on his federal pension, which barely covered the cost of food and rent.
With clear vision, life holds new promise . . .
Peninsula’s safety net
Home Fund money also is used for hot meals for seniors in Jefferson and Clallam counties, meeting rent, energy and transportation needs, warm winter coats for kids, home repairs for the low-income, needed prescription drugs, dental work, safe and drug-free temporary housing . . . the list goes on.
Between now and New Year’s Eve, the Peninsula Home Fund — a safety net for North Olympic Peninsula residents when there is nowhere else to turn — is seeking contributions for our annual holiday season fundraising campaign.
From Port Townsend to Forks, from Quilcene and Brinnon to Sequim and LaPush, the Home Fund — now in its 26th year — is a “hand up, not a handout” for children, teens, families and the elderly to get through an emergency situation.
No deductions by PDN
So far this year, the Home Fund has helped more than 3,600 individuals and families in Jefferson and Clallam counties.
No money is deducted by the Peninsula Daily News for administration fees or any other overhead.
Every penny goes to OlyCAP — nonprofit Olympic Community Action Programs — the No. 1 emergency-care agency on the Peninsula.
Assistance is also limited to one time in a 12-month period.
Annual average
The average amount of help this year has been $69.16 per person or family.
All instances of help are designed to get an individual or family through a crisis — and back on the path to self-sufficiency
Home Fund case managers often work with each individual or family to develop a plan to become financially stable — and avoid a recurrence of the emergency that prompted aid from the fund.
As needed, Peninsula Home Fund contributions are often used in conjunction with money from churches, service clubs and other donors, enabling OlyCAP to stretch the value of the contribution.
The goal again: “a hand up, not a handout.”
All contributions are IRS tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law for the year in which the check is written.
Your personal information is kept confidential.
PDN does not rent, sell, give or otherwise share your address or other information with anyone or make any other use of it.
Out of money Dec. 31
Since its beginning in 1989, the fund has relied on the support of Clallam and Jefferson residents.
Individuals, couples, businesses, churches, organizations and school groups set a new record for contributions in 2013 — $268,389 — smashing the old record of $268,137 set Dec. 31, 2012.
As of last Monday, $249,757 has been spent for Home Fund grants.
And as we move into winter, the toughest period of the year, all of the remaining money — $18,632 — is expected to be spent before Dec. 31.
How to apply for a grant
To apply for a Peninsula Home Fund grant, contact one of the three OlyCAP offices:
■ OlyCAP’s Port Angeles office is at 228 W. First St., Suite J (Armory Square Mall); 360-452-4726. For Port Angeles and Sequim area residents.
■ Its Port Townsend office is at 823 Commerce Loop; 360-385-2571. For Jefferson County residents.
■ The Forks office is at 421 Fifth Ave.; 360-374-6193. For West End residents.
Leave a message in the voice mail box at any of the three numbers, and a Home Fund caseworker will phone you back.
OlyCAP’s website: www.olycap.org; email: action@olycap.org.
If you have any questions about the fund, phone John Brewer, PDN publisher and editor, at 360-417-3500.
Or email jbrewer@peninsuladailynews.com.
Contributions so far
We’ve gotten a running start on this year’s holiday season fundraising campaign.
A number of generous individuals and organizations have been donating money to the Peninsula Home Fund since the first of the year.
While most of the money is raised between Sunday before Thanksgiving and Dec. 31, the fund itself never closes.
Donations of any amount are always welcome.
To donate online by credit card, please click on https://secure.peninsuladailynews.com/homefund/.
Below is a list of donors whose contributions were processed between Jan. 1 and Nov. 26:
Thank you very much for making a difference in the lives — and futures — of your neighbors:
■ Helen and Don Stoneman, Carlsborg — $1,000.
■ Jim’s Pharmacy, Port Angeles — $908.04. The Home Fund was Jim’s “Shop with Loyalty and Shop Locally” Charity of the Month for December 2013.
■ Robert and Virginia Kuhn, Port Angeles — $100.
■ Tom and Leann Barber, Port Angeles — $1,000.
■ Andrew T. May, Port Angeles — $900. Proceeds from Andrew May’s Peninsula Daily News Garden Bus Tour to the 2014 Northwest Flower & Garden Show in Seattle.
■ Jim and Debbie Jones, Port Angeles — $100.
■ James and Beverly Cone, Sequim — $100.
■ Kathryn Hofer, Port Angeles — $200. In honor of Dale Hofer.
■ Bob and Leola Reeve, Sequim — $200.
■ Kathleen Devanney, Port Townsend — $25.
■ Carol Lee and Robin Moses, Carlsborg — $400.
■ Betty J. Abbott, Port Angeles — $20. In memory of my special family.
■ Richard C. and Gayle Larson, Sequim — $50.
■ Carol and Tom Sinton, Port Angeles — $500.
■ David and Laurie Reeve, Port Angeles — $100. In honor of Clallam County veterans.
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested that the amount of their donation be kept private):
■ Craig and Susan Danielson, Port Angeles. In honor of father and grandfather: Lon Hoover, D.O.
■ Janet Young, Port Angeles.
■ Alpha Zeta Master chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, Sequim. In memory of Bernice Kitz. She was and always will be our sister in Beta Sigma Phi.
■ Mark and Cathy Rensi, Port Townsend.
■ Joe Cammack, Port Angeles. (2 donations.)
■ Dunbar and Alice Susong, Sequim.
■ V. Johnstone, Port Townsend.
■ Anthony and Ruth Rubio, Port Townsend. In honor of Dan and Kath Raymond.
■ Klaus and Jan Hintermayr, Gardiner. To help someone with a hand up to get on their feet. Many blessings.
■ John Norton, Port Angeles.
■ Mrs. Kathleen Kennedy, Port Angeles.
■ Paul Richmond, Port Angeles. (2 donations).
■ Edward Dougherty and Kathy Snyder, Port Angeles. In memory of our parents.
■ Jeff and Jeri Abram, Sequim.
■ Patricia Ravsten, Sequim.
■ M. Kurhajetz, Port Angeles. In honor of Kurhajetz family.
■ Larry and Darlene McCaffrey, Sequim.
■ PJM Interconnection, Norristown, Pa., matching contribution for Ake Almgren
■ Mr. and Mrs. George Norris, Port Angeles. In honor of Steve and Jerry Norris.
■ Nick and Jan DeScala and Mel and Judy Corning, Port Angeles. In memory of our dear friend, Patsy Pitts Hart.
■ Elene Duncan, Sequim. In memory of my husband, Dr. William R. Duncan.
■ Gary Fredrick, Port Townsend.
■ Catherine Mundy, Colorado Springs, Colo. In honor of the birthday of my sister, Mary Kelsoe, of Port Angeles.
■ Shannon and Timothy Rowan, Colorado Springs, Colo. This donation is made in honor of the birthday of my sister, Mary Kelsoe [of Port Angeles].
■ William Haffey, Missoula, Mont. In honor of Mary Kelsoe [of Port Angeles].
■ L.H. Stelljes, Fort Worth, Texas. In honor of Mary Kelsoe [of Port Angeles].
■ Nancy and Larry Lang, Port Angeles.
■ Karen and Jim Meuir, Port Angeles.
■ League of British Women, Carlsborg.
■ Jerry Leeds Macomber, Sequim. Needs come at any time of the year, certainly not just at the holiday season when hearts and purses open more easily. Add this to the coffers, knowing it is appreciated by most donors to read that all donations go to the needs of others 100 percent. Your volunteers are the best!
■ Joanne L. Morrison, Carlsborg. In memory of Don, The Bike Guy.
■ Donald Naddy Fund, Port Angeles.
■ Robert Sheridan, Sequim. (2 donations.)
■ Olympic Springs Inc., Carlsborg. (10 donations)
■ Kristin Ecklund, Sequim. In honor of community emergency response team members of the North Olympic Peninsula. Thanks for being prepared!
■ Vern and Vida Bessey, Port Townsend. In memory of Moms and Dads.
■ Barry and Ellen Lerich, Nordland.
■ Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe/7 Cedars Casino and Resort Properties, Sequim.
We at the Jamestown S’Klallam tribe and the 7 Cedars Casino Resort Properties (including The Longhouse Market and the Cedars at Dungeness Golf Course) have been blessed with much success.
We want to also recognize that this support also comes from our other businesses, i.e., Jamestown Excavating, JKT Development Co., the Jamestown Family Health and Dental Clinics, and our Northwest Native Expressions Gallery.
We believe that as S’Klallam people we are culturally known for our strength and generosity.
It is in the nature, character and culture of the Jamestown people to give to those in need whether they are of S’Klallam ancestry or from the neighboring non-Native community.
In this cooperative spirit, we humbly submit this donation to your organization to assist in your efforts to serve those in need.
We very much appreciate the service you provide to the community throughout the year.
We wish to you and all who support your cause a very merry Christmas and happy New Year!
— W. Ron Allen, tribal chairman/chief executive officer, Jamestown S’Klallam tribe
— Jerry R. Allen, chief executive officer, 7 Cedars Casino
■ Robert and Jerry Macomber, Sequim. A “hand up” rather than a “handout” — I like the way you think, how you consider the feelings of those needing help but are reluctant to ask.
■ Walter and Montel Livingston, Sequim.
■ Susan A Kreml, Sequim. In memory of Ken Morris.
■ Jerry and Judy Mann, Sequim.
■ Charles and Donna Brown, Port Angeles. In honor of Volunteer Hospice nurses.
■ Robert Foster, Port Angeles.
■ Rick and Wendy Oak, Port Angeles.
■ Fred and Ann Weinmann, Port Townsend. In memory of Jerome Voigt.
■ Robert Hutchison, Sequim. In memory of William H. Parker.
■ Dan and Vicki Pierson, Port Angeles.
■ Anthony and Sandra Lier, Port Angeles. In honor of Rogue.
■ Steve and Weezie, Port Townsend.
■ Stan and Sally Garlick, Port Angeles.
■ Voneda Stiewe, Chimacum.
■ Nick and Sandy Larson, Port Angeles. In memory of Fred and Bob Michalscheck.
■ Mura C. Glenn, Sequim.
■ Ron and Agnes Little, Sequim.
■ John and Renee Jones, Sequim.
■ Pamela Mirrer, Sequim.
■ Jim and Elena Karr, Sequim.
■ Terry and Cleone Telling, Quilcene. In memory of Eileen Widman.
■ Beth Hutmacher, Port Townsend. In memory of Don Hutmacher.
■ Dorothea Morgan, Port Angeles. In memory of Wayne Ostlund.
■ Jim and Marci Thomsen, Port Angeles. In memory of Bob Thomsen.
■ Kathleen Balducci and family, Port Angeles. In memory of Bal and Loved Ones.
■ Gary and Jan Holmquist, Port Angeles. In loving memory of our son, Danny Holmquist.
■ Keith Parsons, Sequim.
■ Dolores Mangano, Port Angeles.
■ Rosemary Cockrill, Port Angeles. Be thankful for what you have. Many have much less.
■ Ann Chang, Port Angeles. In honor of my wonderful family.
■ Fredda and Ted Burton, Port Angeles.
■ Fred and Karen Hall, Sequim.
■ Richard and Karen Grennan, Sequim. In loving memory of Papa, Mimi, Dad, Mom and Gail.
■ Robert C. Zech, Port Angeles.
■ Bob and Audrey Kaplan, Port Angeles.
■ John and Rosemary Forster, Port Angeles.
■ Homer and Karla Muto, Port Angeles.
■ Lee and Irene Wyman, Port Angeles. In memory of Rusty and Valerie Hilt and Heidi.
■ Renate B. Melvey, Sequim.
■ Don and Barbara Smith, Port Townsend.
■ Barbara Baker, Sequim. In memory of Cy Oden.
■ Pat Flood and Lori Kramer, Port Angeles. In memory of Doris Goodman.
■ Richard and Etta MacDonald, Port Ludlow.
■ Mr. and Mrs. Dale Doran, Port Angeles. In memory of family and friends.
■ Paul and Jean Nollette, Port Townsend. In memory of Jon Nollette.
■ Gary and Sandra Swenson, Port Angeles. In hopes of a good Thanksgiving for someone in need.
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested anonymity):
■ Port Angeles — $50. In memory of Kenneth Loy.
■ Issaquah — $100. In honor of Paul and Phyllis Sprinkle.
■ Port Angeles — $20.
■ Port Angeles — $25.
■ Port Angeles — $25. In memory of Eric Phelps.
■ Port Townsend — $150. In memory of Emmeline Allen.
■ Port Angeles — $3,000.
■ Sequim — $300.
■ Sequim — $500.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $10.
■ Port Angeles — $300. In memory of Fred Stolz and Lynne Thrall.
■ Sequim — $200.
■ Port Townsend — $25.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $50.
■ Port Townsend — $75.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Sequim — $10.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Hadlock — $50.
■ Port Ludlow — $25.
■ Sequim — $200. In honor of Kathy Smith, for all the unseen good works you have done in our community.
■ Port Angeles — $200. In honor of Valerie C.
■ Port Angeles — $200.
■ Port Ludlow— $200.
■ Sequim — $200.
■ Sequim — $100. In honor of Jesus Christ, my Savior.
■ Port Townsend — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $50.
■ Sequim — $50.
■ Port Townsend — $30.
■ Sequim — $25.
■ Sequim — $50.
■ Sequim — $20. In memory of Diane Johnston.
■ Port Angeles — $300. In memory of Jim and Jeremy Jones.
■ Sequim — $50.
■ Port Angeles — $200.
_________
HANDWRITING CAN BE hard to decipher at times.
Please report any errors in this list to John Brewer, 360-417-3500 (there’s voice mail if he’s away), or email him at jbrewer@peninsuladailynews.com.
We’ll rerun the listing correctly.
Our sincerest appreciation again to our donors.
