“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members” -Corretta Scott King
This spring, as a country, we experienced the first pandemic of our lifetimes. Many had to learn to rely on our neighbors for help. Whether it be for cooperation with mandates, delivery of food to high risk people, medical or financial assistance and so much more. We learned how important our sense of community is when it was denied us physically. We had to creatively keep the connections we realized we hold dear, and so desperately need. The phrase “all in this together”, became a mantra that all of us were chanting, believing and really feeling-maybe for the first time ever. The organizations that are highlighted below, live this mantra through their missions every day. Whether they altered their deliverables to meet the unique needs of the Covid-19 crisis, or continued to try to provide the same much needed services; we know they were and are right there with us, and we couldn’t do it without them.
United Way
The United Way of Bucks County, in partnership with Penn Community Bank, launched the Bucks County COVID-19 Recovery Fund. Things will continue to change in Bucks County. More Federal emergency relief funds will become available, but there will be gaps.
Every penny donated to the Bucks County COVID-19 Recovery Fund stays in Bucks County Donations can be made at uwbucks.org/COVIDrecovery or by mailing a check to United Way of Bucks County, 413 Hood Boulevard, Fairless Hills, PA 19030.
Cancer Support of Bucks County
Cancer Support Community of Greater Philadelphia (CSCGP) is a local non-profit providing free programs to children and adults affected by cancer, A new House Calls Program was launched for families in response to issues of food insecurity during the pandemic.
Vital programs continue online for families impacted by cancer. The House Call and other programs are filling the hearts, minds and dinner tables of members in the toughest of times. The CSCGP team won’t be stopped by COVID-19. For more information visit http://cancersupportphiladelphia.org or call 215-441-3290.
ResQPets
Res-Q-Pets is a foster based small dog and cat rescue serving Lower Bucks and NJ. Lead by Angela Gould and Pam Mitchell, Res-Q-Pets is comprised of volunteers and contributors. We find loving forever homes for dogs and cats through our foster and adoption programs. The animals in our care are provided with the necessary medical treatments, vaccinations, spay/neuter services. We rely on donations and volunteer fosters to provide care to our rescued animals. To help this amazing cause, visit: resqpets.org or call 609-944-8866
Neighbor in Need
Neighbor In Need (NIN) founded by Elizabeth Kearney and Wendy Simon, is a community Non-Profit created to help local residents who are facing difficulties.
Currently NIN is helping hundreds of families with food, supplies and/or financial support. First responders, nursing homes, food pantries, shelters, children’s groups, military families and disaster survivors have all benefited from NIN’s efforts.
Currently working on PPE’s, supplies and meals during the pandemic for first responders, hospitals, medical facilities, nursing homes and nurses.
To donate or assist, https://www.facebook.com/groups/1791099444474846/?ref=share
Writer: Christine Toy-Dragoni is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a private counseling practice in Fairless Hills PA. She specializes in Anxiety and Depression, Addiction and Relationship Issues. 215-514-4900
www.psychologytoday.com/ christinetoydragoni
