New Scotland fund helps those in need
— Photo by Susan Kidder
Gone fishing: This bear, carved by Jim Donato, will be the prize in a drawing to raise money for New Scotland’s “Neighbor Helping Neighbor” campaign.
To the Editor:
Here is a picture of the “Sweet Fishing Bear,” a sculpture that the Town of New Scotland Senior Association is offering in a drawing this year for the “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” fund along with hand-crocheted afghans and several other beautiful handmade items. This fund assists those in need in the town of New Scotland and last year the senior association raised $1,077 to help this fund.
The fund is for town residents who have come into hard times and may need a one-time assistance to get some help. We have used the fund in the past for emergency fuel and electric needs, home repairs, food, and medical equipment.
Several of the local churches — New Scotland Presbyterian and the First United Methodist of Voorheesville women’s group — have been consistent in their yearly donations to this fund. Last year, we helped with three families that were out of fuel; Helderberg Oil agreed to deliver for the limited amount we could afford for each resident in need. We also sent one small donation to National Grid to keep the lights on for a family.
The tickets for the drawing are available on Election Day at two sites: the Wyman Osterhout Community Center in New Salem and St. Matthew’s Church in Voorheesville on Nov. 3 from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Also, many members of the New Scotland Senior Citizens Association will have tickets to sell. The drawing will be held on Dec. 16 and the winners will be notified by phone.
Tickets are three for a dollar or 20 for five dollars. The bear was carved and donated by local carver Jim Donato, a nationally recognized award-winning carver from our own community.
We will also have hundreds of handmade items for gifts during the holidays, including lap robes, hats, scarves, mittens, slippers, and afghans. Please consider stopping by one of these locations and getting a gift for someone while contributing to the “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” fund.
This is truly the best and most generous place to live. Thank you.
Susan D. Kidder
Senior Outreach Liaison
New Scotland