As a human services agency, our counselors often see people in desperate need of the basic necessities of life. They frequently encounter families without furniture or bedding, families that cannot afford the deposits needed to secure rental housing and certainly families that cannot afford holiday meals and gifts for their children.
It is immensely gratifying that we are often approached by groups in the community that want to help with meeting these needs, groups that want to give to others. These groups, whether they are clubs, businesses, churches or fraternal groups, raise funds and gather donations through hosting fundraising events or staff solicitations. They then search for outlets to get their gifts to people in need. Many times the counselors at Human Support Services are approached to help make the connection between the families in need and the gifts from community groups. It is a joy to help with this charitable effort.
In view of the effort put forth by these groups, we want to acknowledge at least some of the community groups that have approached Human Support Services and made a difference for families in need in our community. For many of these groups this is not a one-time effort; rather, they do this year after year.
The
Southern Illinois Jeep Association has given Christmas Baskets of food and household goods and provided gift cards for needy families five years in a row.
The
St. Paul United Church of Christ, Waterloo has given Thanksgiving baskets with food and household supplies for several years.
The
Monroe Council for the Handicapped has for over twenty years provided gifts to adults with disabilities, has hosted parties for clients of Human Support Services and has provided ongoing support of Special Olympics.
New Hope Church has been a great resource for Human Support Services clients who need emergency food assistance.
The
Waterloo Rotary Club for many years has provided gift cards that can help needy clients obtain food and household supplies.
The
Concord Presbyterian Church has provided many gifts or other assistance as part of their community outreach.
The
VFW, the
Lions Club, the
Oddfellows, the
Optimists and the
Waterloo Senior Group have all provided many gifts to HSS that have been used to meet the needs of the clients of the agency.
On behalf of the individuals and families that we serve, we are pleased to offer our sincere appreciation to these groups and others for their charitable gifts.
