Thanks to the generosity of the community, Christmas miracles came true in hundreds of low-income households locally this holiday season.
It’s no sentimental exaggeration.
Local families, individuals, businesses, foundations and other entities stepped up to donate more than $206,000 to Give A Christmas, an annual charitable initiative from The Intelligencer that provides help to neighbors in need in Central and Upper Bucks County and Eastern Montgomery County during the holidays.
The tally smashed the seasonal goal of $165,000. Some donors were especially generous: Bucks County-based philanthropist Gene Epstein donated $25,000 in a matching challenge that generated more funds. Locals like Dave and Kathleen Creamer made multiple donations, with a second coming to help meet Epstein’s match goal.
“Bucks County Opportunity Council is once again humbled by the generosity of the Bucks County community,” said Erin Lukoss, CEO and executive director of BCOC, which administers Give A Christmas in partnership with The Intelligencer, sharing 10% of the proceeds with Keystone Opportunity Center, a Souderton-based poverty-fighting agency.
Lukoss continued: “People here care about one another and during this really challenging time, we have seen people again and again step up to help. Thank you is hardly enough, but I am grateful for the opportunity to thank everyone for their kindness to make the holiday and rest of the year a little brighter for families who have struggled.”
Give A Christmas support includes everything from assistance with buying gifts and groceries, to paying for rent, medicine, bills and utility expenses. During the holiday stretch, BCOC provided such aid to 1,084 people in 375 households. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Keystone Opportunity Center assisted about 250 households.
Malcolm Friend, director of resource development at Keystone Opportunity Center, said that each recipient was “deeply touched by the outpouring of community support.”
“One large household of children is being brought up by their grandparents,” Friend shared. “The grandparents were able to ensure gifts for each of their grandchildren, including toys, new clothing and edible treats. The grandparents asked us to convey how deeply thankful they are to each and every one who donated to Give A Christmas.”
The good that Give A Christmas delivers doesn’t conclude with the holiday season. Money not dispersed during the holidays is used to help locals throughout the year with everything from transportation, food, employment and education, to childcare, housing, healthcare and other individualized needs.
“The generosity of Give A Christmas giving extends the holiday season and supports BCOC in assisting our neighbors who request help,” said Tammy Schoonover, BCOC’s chief program officer.
Bucks County Opportunity Council will continue accepting donations to Give A Christmas through Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 17.
“We are truly blessed,” said Joseph Cuozzo, director of development at BCOC, “by the generosity of this community. It’s because that generosity that we can help people during the holidays and throughout the year.”
— Chris Ruvo, Special to The Intelligencer
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