Germantown HELP Needs Help Helping Families

The calendar is approaching the most wonderful time of the year, but the bad economy may have dampened the spirit of holiday giving.

“We are struggling to get funds to give people Giant gift cards,” said Cindy Majane, executive director of Germantown HELP. “Even $20 is appreciated. It is not enough for an entire Thanksgiving meal, but it can be put towards it, and it helps.”

Germantown HELP is a community-based nonprofit organization that has provided emergency assistance to families and individuals in need since 1986.  The people served by Germantown HELP are put into a database run by Montgomery County. Germantown HELP then fills the requests for need.

This year, the need is even greater, but Majane said charitable giving has been far less.

Germantown HELP has been involved with Montgomery County’s Holiday Giving Project since the end of September. Though 929 families have requested help for Thanksgiving, Majane said there are only 300 sponsors for families.

In comparison, eight years ago Germantown HELP had 389 families in need and 300 sponsors, making it much easier to give enough to all. Now people are receiving less. Whereas in the past a family of five would receive $40 now they may receive $20.

“We are trying to squeeze out what we can,” said Majane.  “A little something is better than nothing.”

Families that don’t have sponsors will still receive Giant gift cards to help towards holiday expenses. Majane anticipates that more than 1,100 families will request help in December.

“We are stretched really, really thin,” said Majane. “The number of households in need really exploded since the economy tanked.”

Sponsors of family can provide gift cards or all the necessary items for a holiday meal. According to Germantown HELP’s website, a typical holiday meal is valued at about $45 and may include turkey, potatoes, stuffing, cranberry relish and all the trimmings.

Alternately, people can donate funds directly to Germantown HELP on the organization’s website, www.germantownhelp.org. The money is used to purchase Giant and Target gift cards for families holiday dinners and presents for older children and teens, and caseworkers and volunteers distribute the gift cards to families.

 “We are very appreciative of the support we receive from community organizations,” said Majane.

One of these organizations is BMI Karate, which sponsored 50 families for Thanksgiving. Students and family members delivered baskets to families in need during its 10th annual Basket Brigade on Sunday, Nov. 20.

Over the years, there have been many heartwarming stories that are shared at the Basket Brigade, said owner Brian Moller.

“It is so great to see someone’s face [when they receive the basket],” Moller said. “They are just so appreciative for what you have done.”