In the recovery of Hurricane Ike and as the economy continues to dwindle, local nonprofit agencies are seeking alternative advertising or fundraising methods to attract the eyes of potential donors who can help agencies meet the need of clients who are hurting.
“The people that we serve are in far worse condition than we know,” said Donna Wick, Montgomery County Women’s Center outreach program manager. “It’s very tough for our donors right now. We always know the willingness is there, but ability is different.”
This year the MCUW partnered with Debi Gomez, owner of Life’s Images Photography, to create the “Wings of Hope” 2009 calendar on sale for $10. It features photographs of babies and children dressed up as angels. The calendar raised $4,500 last year for a different agency.
“Funding is hard to come by,”
Wick said. “This is really a saving grace for us.”
The Salvation Army is working to get its name out on
the national level as the Red Kettle campaign kicked
off Friday in Montgomery County, said Capt. David
Robinson.
“We’re going to do the most good with whatever time,
money or resources people give us,” he said. “We
really are hurting on bell ringers. People are not
signing up. If we don’t have the bell ringers out we
can’t meet out goals.”
The Red Kettle campaign is the Salvation Army’s
largest fundraiser. Workers started ringing Friday at
various locations across Montgomery County. Nearly 44
locations are scheduled for ringers, but that may not
happen without enough ringers.
“This year it is just difficult,” Robinson said about
finding bell ringers.
The Montgomery County Food Bank, located at 111 S.
Second St. in Conroe, is a unique nonprofit because
anyone can use it, Director Doris Golemon said.
Historically, need increases 20 percent, she said.
However, the need may be greater this year.
“If it goes as predicted, it will get a whole lot
worse and we will have to struggle to keep up,”
Golemon said. “We have to hope those that can will
help their neighbors.”
The food bank is also seeking grants.
Local residents can help by donating canned meats and
vegetables, as well as traditional holiday foods.
Monetary donations are also accepted and volunteers
are also needed.
To learn more about the MCWC, call (281) 292-1455,
ext. 281.
To learn more about the MCFB, call (936) 539-6686.
To learn more about the Salvation Army, located at 304
Ave. E in Conroe, call (936) 760-2440.
To learn more about the Montgomery County United Way,
call (281) 292-4155.
How to help
To help as a sponsor or donor for holiday programs
contact the following agencies:
• Montgomery County Women’s Center, (281) 292-1455,
ext. 281
• Montgomery County Food Bank, (936) 539-6686
• Salvation Army, (936) 760-2440
• Montgomery County United Way, (281) 292-4155
