March 2009
If you watch the news, read the paper or listen to the radio, the looming recession is all you hear about. It is becoming more apparent here at The Lighthouse that many people are struggling. While we typically are helping out low-income and needy families, we have seen an increase in middle and upper-class families and individuals in need of assistance. A recession is no respecter of persons.
There are times when we wonder if we have enough resources to meet demand forced on our agency. Recently, we were given any opportunity to meet the need of sweet, 75-year old Judy.* A friend of the Lighthouse for many years, she needed a vehicle to get her to doctor’s appointments and church. With no family in the area, she struggled with getting around. When an anonymous friend alerted us of her need, we immediately started thinking of how we could bless her with a car. A generous person had just donated a 1995 Buick Century in very good condition. After our mechanics at Wheels of Work checked everything over, and washed the car, I was given the opportunity to call Judy and offer her the car, free of charge. She was speechless. She kept asking how she could repay us and sent this heartfelt note a few days later:
I want to thank you so very much for getting me a car. Now I can go to church and not have to ask someone to take me and then get some to bring me home. You have been an answer to my prayers. I know it wasn’t easy for you to do this for you have many others asking and needing help but I want you to know I can’t thank you enough for what you have done for me. I know God will bless you for all you do for the people you help. If I can ever help you with any thing, please let me know. Thank you again.
Judy F.
Stories like Judy’s are heart warming, yet are becoming rarer as our resources wane and the need in our community grows greater each day. You can see how important our donors are, whether they are giving a car, or writing a check. Your gifts enable us to pass the blessings along.
This year, our goal is to cut costs in as many ways as we can, without sacrificing the quality of the services we provide. We also want to make giving easier for our donors. Every little bit helps!!
We are pleased to announce the Lighthouse Foundation is now able to accept donations through our website www.thelighthouseonlinet.net . It’s easy to enroll online and you can choose when to have your monthly gift charged to your credit card. You can also fill out the attached form and send it through the mail. You’ll receive convenient receipts by e-mail or at your home address. Or enroll by mail and set up a monthly gift from your checking account. Either way, you have easy access to a personal monthly giving contact.
There are MANY reasons to give online:
Great satisfaction.
You will know you are impacting people in a positive way every month.
Convenience.
When you participate, your gift will be processed and will appear each month on your credit card or checking account statement.
Flexibility.
If for any reason you wish to increase, decrease or suspend your gifts, just call 724-898-HOPE ext. 28, and we will gladly accommodate you.
Reduced paperwork and overhead expenses.
Automatic monthly payments mean more of your donation goes to helping with transitional housing, our food bank, Wheels of Work and our numerous other programs.
I heard some one say once “You can NEVER thank your supporters enough.” So THANK YOU for staying faithful to the mission of the Lighthouse. Thank you for supporting us loyally for over 20 years. Thank you for providing the means for us to continue our ministry to those who have no where else to turn. Thank you.
In Him,
Dan Borchert
*Name changed for confidentiality
