If Anne Frank is to be believed, “No one has ever become poor by giving.” Certainly, the following three Lincoln County examples are proof positive that she is correct.
EVERYONE CAN HELP IN SOME WAY: When the Nest Domestic Violence Shelter first opened in 2007, HEAL Executive Director Coleen Widell remembers a wonderfully kind, elderly woman who called to lend support for the cause. “She was a very sweet lady who wanted us to know she was very supportive of the Nest opening, of the work being done to empower victims of domestic violence and their children. She lamented that she was unable to assist in a “financial or other meaningful way” since she was living on Social Security. We spoke for a good long time about ways that folks can support change in the lives of survivors.”
After the conversation, this woman began a tradition of bringing a handful of beads she had collected over the years to the Nest, for the children’s art projects. Along with the beads each month, she brought two one dollar bills.
“For a woman who has essentially nothing to feel so compelled to contribute is absolutely astounding to me,” Widell said.
LADIES’ AUXILIARY OF THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS: For almost two years, each and every month, the members of the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars have hosted birthday parties at The Nest for all of the shelter’s survivors and Advocates. They bring desserts, toiletries, toys and gifts for the women and children at shelter. During Christmas, they baked cookies and helped decorate the tree in the living room of the Nest, creating a festive holiday atmosphere.
“It gives us so much joy that they appreciate us so much. They very much look forward to our visits. One little boy kept asking when “the ladies with the cupcakes” were coming back and the shelter staff told him we would return the following week. By the time we rolled in for our monthly birthday party, this child was watching the clock with anticipation. When we showed up at 6:32, he said, “You’re late!” We are glad the residents enjoy our visits,” said Diana Grace, one of the faithful attendees from the Auxiliary. Grace’s husband, Jerry, has served on the HEAL Board of Directors.
LINCOLN COUNTY REALTORS: Sheri heard the call for help on Facebook. The Nest had presents for the children they were sheltering, but not enough for the women. “I didn’t have a lot of extra money during the holidays but I did have a surplus of scarves I had been knitting,” she said.
Feeling moved by the need, she got on her computer and emailed all of the Realtors in Lincoln County and told her colleagues she was donating the scarves. “I told them if they wanted to donate as well, I would pick up their donations and drop them off at the Nest for them.”
According to Susanne Francis, Office Manager at HEAL, the response was overwhelming. “With her email, Sheri enlisted her co-workers and other real estate professionals in our area and they responded in force with lovely gifts and generous holiday checks to help. “
“Having the support of the real estate community is very important to the success of the Nest,” said Widell. “Several realtors are regular donors, making a contribution after closing a property, like Terry Van Gilder who is now retired from Coldwell Banker SDC Realtors. Some have called Sweet Charity Resale Boutique with offers of a house-full of furniture when their customer purchased a home but did not want its’ contents. Still others, like Bill Hirschfield of A+ Realty Services, have assisted by approaching investors who might consider a tax write-off for donating property to HEAL.”
These local citizens gave their hearts, time, energy and love to others in need. One woman said it best: “Every person has a little bit of hero in them. If you have a talent or some time to give to someone who isn’t having the best moment of their lives, it may make as much difference in that person’s life as a truck full of money. If you are creative, sharing your creations with someone else could brighten what may be an otherwise dark moment for them.”
Anne Frank was right. Giving really does make one rich.
Pictured is Sheri and Josie Powell, HEAL Board Vice President, with some of the beautiful scarves she donated to the Nest.
