Holiday Fund drive provides financial assistance

Princeton residents benefit when times get tough

   "Dear Princeton Holiday Fund, You don’t know how much your help means to me. The fact that there are people out there that care for others and like to see them succeed is a blessing."

   Theresa wrote this note to Mary Pickens, the volunteer counselor for the Princeton Holiday Fund, after she had received financial help with child care for her 3-year-old. Theresa had been accepted for a job in a large discount store, but until her first paycheck arrived, she needed financial assistance.
   The Princeton Holiday Fund provides not only financial assistance to those in need, but also supportive counseling and encouragement. Many of those, who seek help for today’s problem, have trouble thinking about how they will cope with tomorrow and the next day. Helping them think through the options and referring them to community resources is all a part of what our counselor provides.
   "Dear Mary, I would like to thank you from the deep of my heart. I hope to see you again very soon — but this time to help you help others."
   Leah had arrived from her homeland with her husband and two children. Two months later, her husband died in a car accident and she was left with no support and no job. The Princeton Holiday Fund helped her with a food for two months and helped her get assistance for her rent. When Leah wrote this note, she had just contacted an aunt in Pennsylvania who offered Leah and her children a place to live.
   Most of the time the fund does not get any feedback from the people who get assistance, and that’s OK. But when there is a response, it is always heartfelt and touching. It shows what a difference can be made for a family when the person helping, takes the time to listen and to care.
   Mary Pickens has volunteered her time for nine years. She often comments, "Who wouldn’t love to have a chance to help people and to provide the financial help and caring that mean so much?"
   Over the years there have been men who go from drug addiction to becoming productive workers, women who go from welfare mothers to working mothers and promising students who have an opportunity to continue their education.
   The Princeton Holiday Fund doesn’t make these miracles happen, but it does encourage people to take steps to become self-sufficient and help them over the financial hurdles.
   The week before Christmas this year, a distraught mother came to Family and Children’s Services seeking psychotherapy for her daughter’s behavioral problem. After meeting with the mother, the clinician asked Mary if there was any way to help this family enjoy a Merry Christmas. Gladys had lost her job in November and had not been able to find work. Her three children were too young to understand the financial hardships of their mother. So with financial help from the Princeton Holiday Fund including food certificates, donated clothing and toys, and the warmth of good wishes from the staff, Gladys and her family enjoyed the holidays.
   Many thanks to all of those who have contributed to this fund that helps people in the community all year around.
   To date, the fund has received close to $5,000 in contributions and will be accepting contributions through the middle of January.
   To make a donation, send a check to the Princeton Holiday Fund, care of Family and Children’s Services, 120 John St., Suite 6, Princeton NJ 08542. All contributions are tax deductible.
   More information about Family and Children’s Services may be found at www.nj-counseling.org or contact Mary Pickens at (609) 924-2098.
The names of the recipients have been changed to ensure confidentiality.