Every dollar donated to Give A Christmas makes a difference.
Just ask Brittany Workman.
The mother of two from the Quakertown area has relied on the charitable fund to help provide Christmas gifts for her sons. Without the help, it’s unlikely there’d be any toys beneath the tree, as money is just too tight.
Certainly, that financial reality is not Workman’s fault.
Her youngest son, an infant, was on life support after being born. Major health problems have persisted for the boy, who requires ongoing, expensive medical attention.
Given the child’s needs, Workman must be a constant presence and can’t take a job, meaning the household relies on one income. Amid health care bills, runaway inflation and the high cost of living in the five-county Philadelphia region, there’s just not much left over for the holidays.
Still, thanks to gift cards received through Give A Christmas, Workman can purchase her three-year-old son and her baby boy Christmas gifts.
“Last Christmas, my older son was just ecstatic — excited as could be,” Workman said of his reaction upon receiving presents. “When you donate to Give A Christmas, it makes such a huge difference for people like my family.”
The Intelligencer’s Give A Christmas initiative has been making that difference annually since 1988.
Benefiting low-income people in Central and Upper Bucks County, as well as Eastern Montgomery County and the North Penn and Indian Valley communities, the fund delivers financial assistance to individuals and families in need during the holidays. The assistance centers on everything from help with buying gifts and groceries, to paying for rent, medicine, bills and utility expenses.
Administered by the Bucks County Opportunity Council (BCOC) in partnership with The Intelligencer, 10% of the proceeds are shared with Souderton-based Keystone Opportunity Center. Money not dispersed during the holidays is used to support locals in need throughout the year with everything from food and rent to employment assistance.
Still, the nonprofits can only do their noble work if people give generously to Give A Christmas, as the fund is powered by donations. Over the years, local individuals, businesses, trusts, houses of worship and other organizations have contributed about $3 million. Last year was a record-breaker, with more than $261,000 in donations flowing into the fund.
Organizers are hoping for another outpouring of generosity this year, as need remains high amid continued economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, inflationary pressures that are choking household budgets, and expensive recovery from natural disasters like Hurricane Ida.
“We continue to be amazed by the generosity of the people in this county, and we know they will continue stepping up this year,” said Joseph Cuozzo, director of development at BCOC. “I wish I could thank everyone face-to-face for every gift, large or small. They all make a difference.”
Audrey, a beneficiary of Give A Christmas, is also feeling deep thanks.
The local woman was working to improve her situation by enrolling in BCOC’s economic self-sufficiency program. Even as she took such steps, fate went against her: Her landlord planned to evict her at the end of the year. New Year’s Eve was to be her final day in her apartment.
However, BCOC stepped in to ensure Audrey and her children wouldn’t start 2022 on the streets.
The nonprofit, Bucks County’s lead anti-poverty agency, helped Audrey locate another viable apartment. Funds from Give A Christmas are being used to help her move into her new place prior to the holiday.
“She is very grateful for BCOC and the assistance she has received,” said Tammy Schoonover, chief program officer at Bucks County Opportunity Council.
Another local feeling grateful is Rosa.
The Warminster woman has guardianship over her three eldest grandchildren. Give A Christmas enables her to provide them with holiday gifts – a soul-lift for her and the kids.
“I’ve been using the program for three or four years now,” Rosa said. “It’s a big impact for us. I can get them what they really want for Christmas. They can have a real Christmas. I would just say thank you so much to everyone who donates. When you give, you will always get in return.”
— Chris Ruvo, Special to The Intelligencer
Sharing is caring