Fina Badolato
Special to Middletown Times Herald-Record
USA TODAY NETWORK
It’s the second day of 2022; what’s on your to-do list?
Perhaps you’re sticking to your New Year resolutions to exercise more and worry less. Or you’ve decided to finally tackle that DIY project you’ve been putting off. Maybe you’re even contemplating a job change.
While you’re on track to positive life changes, consider taking it one step further. You can make a huge difference in someone else’s life in a very simple way. All it takes is a few minutes to open your heart and help local folks by making a donation to the Times Herald-Record’s People for People Fund – now in the homestretch of its annual fundraising campaign.
Since 1985, the Fund – formed by the Times Herald-Record and the Junior League of Orange County – has helped steadily working folks who live in Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties, and Pike County, Pa., get over a one-time financial hurdle and back to being self-sufficient.
Take the instance of the consistently employed Orange County woman whose husband’s health declined until he could no longer work. With the loss of his job came the loss of health insurance; COBRA coverage just wasn’t affordable for this family, which includes a teenaged student.
The husband continued to need medical treatment, while the family awaited word on whether he qualified for emergency Medicaid. And in a few months’ time, the wife had paid more than $2,200 out-of-pocket for co-payments and medications. Total medical bills had soared to more than $30,000.
Money for the family’s rent, car loan and car insurance had just about run out; the wife’s salary alone simply didn’t cover all the expenses. Fortunately, the People for People Fund stepped in to help at a crucial time.
“Your volunteers were absolutely awesome, because they listened to me on each phone call,” the woman wrote in a thank-you note. “I felt the compassion over the phone … literally, you guys are People FOR People!”
She added that she has faith her husband will be approved for Medicaid coverage, and that things will get better. “I am so grateful for all your support and assistance through this tough time,” she wrote. “Thank you for being a blessing to my family. God bless you all.”
About the Fund
The Record’s People for People Fund is supported through voluntary donations from community and religious groups, businesses and mostly individuals, with dedicated volunteers working tirelessly with recipients each step of the way. To learn more about contributing, volunteering or applying for help from The Record’s People for People Fund, call 845-343-1663. Donations by check can be mailed to People for People Fund, c/o First Federal Savings of Middletown, P.O. Box 2023, Middletown, NY 10940. Donations by credit card can be made via The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan NY at cfosny.org, by searching for Record’s People for People Fund.