Neighbor helping neighbor effort begun more than 55 years ago
Once again, the Princeton Holiday Fund is reaching out to the Princeton community, continuing a long tradition of "neighbor helping neighbor" that was started more than 55 years ago by Donald Stuart and Dan Coyle.
Even in a town thought to be quite affluent, there are families who are in need of basic services and emergency financial support. The Princeton Holiday Fund is a repository for donations from neighbors, which are then granted to individuals and families who are screened by Family and Children’s Services of Central New Jersey.
Already there are requests for assistance with utility bills and with security deposits for utilities for new subscribers, according to fund representatives.
Here are some case studies of those who have been assisted through the fund. Their names have been changed to ensure confidentiality:
Angelina is working full time at a job that pays her $20,800 a year, less than the national poverty level. She completed high school and she has a 7-year-old child, so she must pay for after-school care plus transportation for work. In September, she was able to find a subsidized housing unit. Angelina was very surprised when she was told the connection costs for her utilities. She was referred to Family and Children’s Services for financial help. With a grant of $300, she was able to move into her new place and know she would be warm for the winter. Making ends meet is still a struggle, but Angelina is a good money manager.
An elderly gentleman, who had worked as an interior painter since he was in his teens, is now having health problems that prohibit him from continuing at this job. He is old enough to retire, but would prefer to continue his occupation. "Mr. Evans" is also very proud and found it difficult to have to ask for help. When he came to Family and Children’s Services to ask for money for food, he was despondent. After talking with the volunteer counselor, he realized he was not being judged for his situation, but was being offered respect and concern. Mr. Evans returns from time to time just to chat. His life story is a slice of history of minority life in Princeton.
Rita is married and has three teenage children. One boy is a star athlete in his school; his brother shuns the physical feats but excels in art. Their sister, at 13, is practicing her flirting skills. When Rita’s husband was badly injured in a fall while repairing the family’s roof, their income was cut in half. She tried every avenue she knew to keep the family together and pay the bills. Her husband is in a rehabilitation facility and even when he is released, it may be weeks before he can return to his job. Rita came to Family and Children’s Services to ask for help with her rent. She was two months behind and the landlord was beginning to threaten her. With a financial grant from the Princeton Holiday Fund, Rita and her children can focus on work, school and encouraging dad to get well soon.
The Princeton Holiday Fund is available to residents who need a helping hand. The volunteer counselor encourages those seeking assistance to try many of the community’s resources. She offers concern and supportive counseling with an emphasis on finding ways people can become self-sufficient. Not every story has a happy ending, but everyone who asks for financial assistance is treated with care.
To contribute to the Princeton Holiday Fund, send a check to Princeton Holiday Fund, c/o Family and Children’s Services, 120 John St., Suite 6, Princeton NJ 08542. All contributions are tax-deductible.
For more information about Family and Children’s Services, visit the Web site www.nj-counseling.org or contact Mary Pickens at (609) 924-2098.

