William Penn Life, 2001 (36. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2001-02-01 / 2. szám
Caring & Sharing Holiday Basket program touches 120 families PITTSBURGH -- How often do we look at the world's problems--in their enormous size and scope-and feel that no matter what we do, we can make little if any difference? No, we can't solve the world's problems. We need a great deal of help just to solve our own neighborhood's problems. However, we can make a difference on a more personal, intimate level. That7 s exactly what our members and branches did this past holiday season when they participated in the WPA's annual Holiday Basket program. Because of the caring and sharing nature of our Association and its members, 120 families received much needed and appreciated baskets of food and household items. According to figures compiled by the Home Office, 40 branches participated in the program in 2000. Some delivered their baskets on Thanksgiving, while others distributed their baskets over the Christmas season. Still other branches extended the spirit of the Holiday Basket program by contributing to local food banks and other similar projects. All told the WPA and its branches donated about $5,160 in cash, food and other items to neighbors in need. The way the program works is simple. For each turkey or ham a branch purchases for a family in need, the Home Office gives the branch $30 to buy additional food for the basket. Each branch is entitled to be reimbursed for up to three baskets of food, or $90. Branch members further supplement the baskets by donating their own canned goods and other non-perishable items. The WPA began its Holiday Basket program in 1985. It was known then as the "Turkey Basket" program because it was intended to be conducted on Thanksgiving. But by the program's second year, branches had begun distributing baskets on both Thanksgiving and Christmas, and the number of families helped by the program increased dramatically. In 1986, a total of 58 baskets were distributed; the following year that figured was doubled and has remained fairly constant since then. In the past 16 years, the WPA and its branches have provided holiday baskets to more than 1,500 families. It Starts With Us June 16, 2001 The William Penn Association and America’s Fraternal Benefit Societies, in partnership with The Points of Light Foundation, invite you to be part of the second annual JOIN HANDS DAY, Saturday, June 16,2001 .This day is dedicated to bringing youths, adults and community groups together to plan projects for their neighborhoods. Join us as we join hands for a better tomorrow. Call 1-877-OUR-l DAY today for registration information. JOINIKM»DAY it starts with us Sponsored by America's Fraternal Benefit Societies fn Partnership with The Points of Light Foundation wwwjoinhciKi9dciy.org Secure your future with a WPA tax-deferred annuity. m/9 Now paying 6.5%interest For more information about our annuity plans, contact your local WPA representative or our Home Office toll-free at 1-800-848-PENN. William Penn Lile, February 2001 3
