Due to limited funds, the Irving Cares Board of Directors made a difficult decision to eliminate the Patient Transportation Program, which had provided rides to medical appointments since the early 1990s. Although the program was outside of our mission of temporary assistance, the clients served have very few options for transportation. However, the program was a significant drain on the very limited amount of donations.
Summer is typically a time of lower donations combined with a higher level of requests for services, but the need never ends for Irving Cares. Many donors have travel plans – which don’t include holding a food drive at work – but with kids out of school, low-income families have a higher need for food during these months. In order to meet the need, Irving Cares has spent down much of its cash reserves, causing the cash flow shortage.
“Families in financial crisis need somewhere to turn, and for 57 years, Irving Cares has been that place. I remain optimistic we will be able to find the resources needed to continue to meet the critical basic needs of Irving residents – 44,000 of whom we served last year alone. With the community’s support, we will overcome this precarious situation,” said Teddie Story, Irving Cares CEO.
The community can help Irving Cares continue to fulfill its mission by supporting us through several giving opportunities. On Thursday, September 18, donations can be made between 6 a.m. to midnight at www.NorthTexasGivingDay.org where donations $25 and above will be amplified by $2 million in bonus funds and prizes shared among the participating charities. Plan to attend the premier fundraising event for Irving Cares, The Great Harvest ~ An Evening to Care on September 26, 2014. Visit http://irvingcares.wpengine.com/how-to-help/the-great-harvest/ to become a sponsor, purchase an admission or a raffle ticket, or make a contribution. Consider holding a food drive at your business, place of worship, or civic club.
Visit http://irvingcares.wpengine.com/how-to-help/donate-food/ for the list of items most needed by the Food Pantry. More donated food means less purchased food!