By Ceil Hunt
Fair Haven Concerned has been helping their neighbors in need for over three decades. Our mission has always been to lend a helping hand to families and friends who find themselves in times of financial trouble. As the pandemic continues, we find that the numbers of those needing our help are on the increase.
Fair Haven Concerned is collaborating with many organizations and agencies to help meet those needs. We work closely with the school, as we see the number of children suffering from food insufficiency is on the rise. In addition, we continue to provide food to families from our Community Room and Food Shelf.
As the leaves start to fall, it reminds us that we will soon be helping keep families warm. The Emergency Fund was started many years ago to make sure families had enough fuel to keep warm. For twenty-one years, the annual gala supported the Emergency Fund, with proceeds exceeding over $20,000. The gala will not be taking place this year. In an effort to make sure we could still provide heat this coming winter, we reached out to many of our friends and businesses who support the annual gala. We are so thankful for the outpourings of support we have received.
Our neighbors have been so generous in helping us meet the needs of food and fuel. However, we have seen a decline in our income that supports the expenses of keeping an office open. The Thrift Shop and several other fundraisers were cancelled due to the pandemic. Unfortunately, without an office, lights, heat, and a phone, Fair Haven Concerned would not be able to meet our mission. We are hoping that, those who might be able, to please consider making a small donation to help us meet those costs. If you would like more information about Fair Haven Concerned, its programs and mission, that you please contact us at (802) 265-3666.