Plenty for all - Poverty for Many
We've all heard how good things are: how the economy is the best it's ever been, how we've got a surplus and many ways to spend it, how there are more people with PC's and Internet access, how many of us use E-mail, have an E-commerce purchase, or is an E-trader.� There seems to be "plenty for all." But is there?� We continue to experience a 26% poverty rate in Alachua County, with 40% lacking health insurance.� Nationally, we have over 2 million individuals incarcerated-many of them suffering from substance abuse and mental health problems.� The homeless rate, with it's associated problems of hunger, unemployment, and violence continues to climb.� In reality, it's "poverty for many."� The clients of The Helping Hands Clinic continue to experience extreme poverty- in many cases, owning nothing more than the clothes on their backs.� For volunteers of the clinic to continue to care for the least fortunate among us, your help is needed.
Gratitude
We appreciate the ongoing support that we receive from many individuals and groups.� Without your support, we would have nothing to offer.
Norman & Jane Holland, RM & Denise Privette, Mary Blazey, Richard Christensen, Barbara & Richard Fearn, Liu & Elmer Stacey, Nancy Ramsey, Mary Webb, Madge West, Walter & Jewel Ebling, Ray Somera, Ed & Eva Adel-Cohen, Dorothy Griffiths, Stan Beckerdite, Ann Abbott, Nancy Hughes, Mike Tueth, Betty Hooper, Bonnie Baxter, Karen Tilton, Sandy Ross, John Kuldau, Deann Borth, Dorothy Carlisie, Julia Massey, Mary Sue Martineau, Myra Gresh, Pat Paige, Judie Porubean, Earl Heath & the Veteran's of Foreign Wars, The Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW, State of Florida, DAR Puc Puggy Chapter 3-117FI, Lady Lake-FL, First United Methodist Church, Bag Ladies, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Trinity United Methodist Church, Single/Single Again FUMC, United Methodist Women-Circle 4-FUMC, St. Elizabeth's Circle, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Gainesville Christian Academy, VFW (A) 8083 Belleview
A special "thank you" goes out to the "Builder's Club" at Oak Hall Middle School.� With the guidance of Mrs. Tracey Trusdell and Miss Olivia Odom, students collected personal hygiene items that filled 75 "ditty bags."� Thank you for helping the poor and homeless individuals feel worthwhile.
A SAD GOODBYE
Mary West, ARNP, "retired" from the clinic in April of 2000 after ten and a half years of voluntary service (yes, she was one of the originals).� Her caring and concern for patients will be greatly missed.� Mary is a special person who always took the time necessary to educate and encourage her patients as well as our "pre-professional" volunteers.� Mary, you will be greatly missed by patients and staff alike.� God Bless You!
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