Through the Harrison Mayor’s Community Fund (HMCF) neighbors and businesses came together to assist 75 local families experiencing hardship this holiday season. The families helped represented 304 residents, including 138 children.
Each of the families assisted by HMCF demonstrated their specific needs for food, help with rent or utility bills, and providing toys for their children. Christmas toys for children were collected from donation boxes placed in area local businesses. A total of $27,000 in financial assistance was also provided to the families.
The non-profit organization put out the call for donations and it was answered in a big way. Thousands of non-perishable food items were collected by Southwest Local School District, and local food company JTM provided frozen protein products. Many private financial donations were also made to HMCF by people in the community.
More than 450 toys and stuffed animals were collected at drop-off sites throughout the City. These businesses and organizations helped with the toy collection:
o 1860 Taproom and Bottleshop
o Crossway Community Church
o American Legion Post 199
o VFW Duwel Post 7570
o Harrison Branch Library
o Heist + Co.
o The Coffee Peddlar
o Village Pharmacy
o The Little Fern Shop
o Tuco's Cantina
o On The Rocks
o Cincinnatus Building and Loan
o Harrison Model T Club
“The Fund has been very blessed this year by a significant increase in contributions,” said Mayor Bill Neyer. “Thanks to all who support this wonderful charity and what is does for this great community.”
Neyer said the increased donations came primarily from the American Legion, and the VFW also significantly increased their annual contributions. Also, the Cronin Ford and Kia Cronin Cares program is a monthly donor to HMCF.
In 2023, HMCF plans to raise $36,000 through a golf outing and other activities. Volunteers will again work with the schools to coordinate the Christmas distribution. Throughout the year, nearly 150 families were helped by HMCF. To learn more about the organization, visit the HMCF page.
Pictured: Harrison Mayor Bill Neyer waves to bystanders while walking in the City's annual Christmas parade.