Helping Hands grants awarded

Every now and then, people need a helping hand. For Anaheim residents, the Helping Hands program is just that - a way to help people make it through the tough times. Helping Hands raised $44,000 in donations to distribute to various nonprofit organizations during the fiscal year that ran from July 1, 2001, through June 30, 2002. The program gives residents an opportunity to make a tax-deductible donation with the payment of their bi-monthly utility bills. Donations are to help low-income residents with one-time utility bill payments, provide scholarships and give seniors in-home assistance. This year, 20 community organizations received grants that were handed out through a competitive process. Funding went to organizations that focused on Anaheim residents and demonstrated how they improved the lives of residents. The board also took into consideration proposals that addressed at-risk youth or seniors. The Feedback Foundation, one of two $5,000 recipients, provides services for stay-at-home seniors. Ret Wixted, executive director, said the program provides hot meals to 850 seniors at 22 sites throughout Anaheim. "These folks would be in serious trouble without the Helping Hands program," Wixted said. "The money allows us to bring a volunteer into the home to assist with their [elders] needs." Wixted said most of the seniors want to be independent and their program is doing their best to make that possible. "Our main focus is that our grant recipents are truly helping the city of Anaheim," said Dawn Miller, Board member at the Helping Hands program. The Boys and Girls Club of Anaheim also received $5,000. Michael Baker, the club's Anaheim director, said the organization will use the money for its Motel Outreach program. "We assist 28 low-income families living in motels and take them to our facility free of charge," Baker said. Baker said this is the largest grant the club has received from the Helping Hands program and credits it to the club's commitment to serve low-income youth. "Helping Hands realizes the impact of our program," Baker said. "Nobody is doing what we're doing." ABOUT THE PROGRAM Helping Hands was started in 19S6. The program offers Anaheim Public Utilities Department customers the opportunity to make tax-deductible donations three times a year with their utility bills. The Anaheim Community Foundation distributes the money collected.