At the Pawling Resource Center… Standing Still Is Not An Option!
By Susan Stone
If you talk to anyone who works or volunteers at the Pawling Resource Center, you will be uplifted and overwhelmed by all the good work that happens there every day. There’s fundraising, food pantry re-stocking, transportation service planning and execution, backpack stuffing, sunshine basket creating, thank you letter writing, medical equipment cleaning and distribution, and…well…the list goes on and on! It’s a really busy place where everyone focuses on helping community members in need.
Most recently, the PRC held its volunteer thank you breakfast in Lankler Hall at Christ Church on Quaker Hill, because this organization couldn’t do what it does without the many, many volunteers that donate a couple of thousand hours a year to keeping the center running smoothly. In September, the PRC annual fundraiser, the 12 annual Walk-a-thon, drew more teams and walkers than ever before, raising over $24,000 to ensure that PRC services can continue to grow with community needs.
On Saturday, October 19, the Pawling Library partnered with the PRC for a day of service. Volunteers made cards at the library, and other volunteers assembled holiday baskets (including the hand- made greeting cards) to give out as “Sunshine baskets” for those needing a little TLC.
On the horizon, the Center is getting ready for the holiday season, which is one of the busiest times of year. The Adopt-a-Family program will soon be in full swing. Sign up for family adoptions will begin on November 1st and run through December 2nd. Terry Ariano, Executive Director, has indicated, “that all gifts must be wrapped and labeled with family #, gender and age of the child on the outside, and delivered to the PRC by December 13. As you shop, please follow our guidelines, as we try to ensure that every family receives an equitable donation.”
Signup for Thanksgiving food will begin on October 21st, and fixings for a Thanksgiving meal will be distributed to eligible families beginning November 18. During December holidays, an extra visit to pick up holiday foods begins on December 16.
For more information about how you may volunteer your time or expertise to the PRC, adopt a family, help out during the holidays, or to find out more information about programs and services, contact the office at 845-855-3459.
