Trials For Hope To Have 4th Annual Fundraiser

Homeless apartments in the flats

Feel the chill in the air? Are you witnessing the change that is about us as trees drop their leaves and squirrels scamper about stocking up on nuts and filling their bellies? Are you readying your home and yard for the upcoming winter, trading out summer clothing for the winter scarves, sweaters and blankets? Perhaps you are spending a few more dollars to stock the pantry in case the inevitable snow storm keeps you trapped in the house for a few days.

There are many around our community that are also considering the upcoming winter, wondering where they will live, how they will stay warm, and how they will provide clothing and food for their family and themselves. Often choices have to be made between paying for utilities, food or personal care items. These neighbors of ours include  the homeless, seniors on fixed incomes, children trapped in  dysfunctional families and others who just are trying to scrape by day by day.

A local grass roots organization, Trials for Hope (TFH), founded by Lakewood resident Jonathan Gray, is in the midst of ramping up for winter as well, clamoring for donations of blankets, socks, toiletries, toilet paper, winter clothing such as  scarves, hats and gloves, and food to be distributed in their ongoing outreach to the homeless and others who are in need. TFH, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit sponsored by St Paul's Community Center, has been helping those who fall though the safety net for the past four years by gathering donations from individuals and groups who have an excess, and distributing to the needy where they live. Our journey takes us under the bridges in the West bank of the Cuyahoga River to serve the homeless, or  nearby on West 25th and Detroit; to senior centers and drug and alcohol treatment facilities; to community meals; to peoples homes; other agencies in the area and the hopeless individual that may be shivering in the bus stop.

We have been blessed by the many volunteers who donate goods and services, local churches, and the 25 agencies we partner with. However, this is not enough as the need continues to grow and will especially as we move into the upcoming winter. Many small donations whether it be a can of food, a couple of hours of time, or a few dollars adds up incrementally to help us reach out to those in need, where they need it.

You can make a difference by attending our 4th Annual Fundraiser with taco's and Mexican food along with raffles and 50/50's. One-hundred percent of proceeds go to help others in need! The date is Friday November 7th, 6 p.m. at Church of the Ascension, 13216 Detroit Road, Lakewood. Tickets are $20. Visit Trials For Hope on Facebook  or www.trialsforhope.weebly.com for more information on the fundraiser, how you can get involved, as well as see updates about how you are helping us reach out to our neighbors.

Bill Fink

Hi, I am a Lakewood High School Graduate ('72) and spent my childhood years in Lakewood.  Currently living in West Park, looking for work, but grateful to have the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives by volunteering with Trials For Hope and being active at Faith Church in Lakewood. 

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Volume 10, Issue 22, Posted 5:40 PM, 10.28.2014