By Fina Badolato For the Times Herald-Record

Only time will tell what 2023 has in store for us.

But it’s probably a good bet that some of our Hudson Valley neighbors are going to face an unexpected detour in life and have nowhere to turn.

They could be co-workers, friends or even perfect strangers. Maybe someone you see in passing every day. Perhaps someone you’d least expect.

A sobering thought, to say the least. But did you know you can do something right now to make a huge difference in someone else’s life? What a way to start the new year!

All it takes is a few minutes to open your heart and help local residents by making a donation to the People for People Fund. Since 1985, the Fund – formed by the Times Herald-Record and the Junior League of Orange County – has helped folks who live in Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties in New York and Pike County, Pa., get over a one-time financial hurdle and back on track to being self-sufficient.

These folks in need are a lot like you and me. They’re self-supporting until something major and unforeseen happens to shatter their stability – maybe a sudden illness, unexpected car repairs, a furnace breakdown, even the loss of a job.

It could happen to any of us. Which is one reason why People for People Fund donors continue to help their Hudson Valley neighbors, year after year.

Take, for instance, the working single mom of two boys who, after falling sick, had hospital, ambulance and medical test bills piling up. Juggling the mortgage payment and medical bills left her short on money to pay the utilities. How would she be able to keep her family warm during the brutal winter?

Or the man who needed temporary help with rent arrears after work slowed and eventually, he was laid off. Fortunately, he found another job, and hours are supposed to increase soon. However, until then, how would he be able to catch up on his rent?

A modest grant from People for People to each of these folks got them through a difficult stretch, and now both are back to being self-supporting.

So please consider ending this year – or starting 2023 – on a compassionate note, by giving to the People for People Fund. Your generosity is much appreciated, and you’ll be making a world of difference in the lives of our neighbors. Happy New Year!

The People for People Fund offers a one-time grant to steadily employed local people who have normally been self-supporting until an unexpected financial emergency arises. To learn more, call 343-1663, or to donate online, visit peopleforpeoplefund.org, and click on Donate, where you’ll be taken to the Fund’s donation page at the Community Foundation of Orange & Sullivan website.