The needs of people Neighbors Helping Neighbors services have not changed, but the amount of funds the organization has to help them have gone down.

“Annually, we collect money to assist those in need in our community during the holiday season. Gift cards for grocery stores are mailed out to those needy people in our community,” said Mayor Scott Avedisian. “It is imperative that the city have the funds necessary to grant these requests. We also coordinate with local service organizations and clubs, churches and faith communities, and others to make sure that we are coordinated and assisting as many people as possible.” 

Neighbors Helping Neighbors has been around for about 20 years and provides baskets and gift cards to people in need during the winter holiday season. Project Coordinator Roberta A. Steinle said she typically receives 1,000 to 1,200 requests for baskets or cards, and that school principals or social workers can refer families. Typically, families of more than three can get a basket and others can get gift cards. This year, Neighbors Helping Neighbors gave out about 650 baskets and gift cards at Thanksgiving. Churches and non-profits provided all of those baskets.

The program acts as a clearinghouse, matching those giving baskets with those needing them and avoiding duplications or omissions. As there are not enough baskets for all, the program fulfills the need with Stop & Shop gift cards that it purchases through donations to Neighbors Helping Neighbors.

About $17,500 was on hand to work with for this year, said Steinle, and at this point last year, Neighbors Helping Neighbors had $7,000 available to begin the year’s efforts. But this year, that amount is about $3,800. Steinle said donations (which are accepted year round but are received mostly in the months of October to January) typically start out slow and pick up, but that this year’s start has lagged.

“This year it doesn’t seem like Christmas with the weather being warmer and leaves are still falling,” said Director of Family Support Patti St. Amant. “It’s [Christmas] creeping up fast and that may be part of the problem.”

Steinle also acknowledges that many retailers lead donation efforts to different organizations during the holiday season, so people may feel “tapped out” or as if they’ve already done enough charitable giving.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors has to make do with whatever donations they have regardless of the amount of need they must meet. They count on donations from the community and have received help from area churches, the Warwick Firefighters, City Hall dress-down days and other community efforts. St. Amant said people have also made and donated their own baskets, which Neighbors Helping Neighbors also appreciated.

Despite having at least $3,000 less to begin with than they did last year, St. Amant and Steinle said they’re always determined to continue meeting the needs of the community, especially since they’ve heard of many families who are concerned they won’t be able to afford Christmas.

“If they’re ever in need, the benefit of this program is that we will never say no. We will figure out a way. Always,” said St. Amant.

To contribute, bring or mail donations to the Buttonwoods Community Center on 3027 Post Road. The Beacon also assists in collections for Neighbors Helping Neighbors, so donations can be sent or dropped off at 1944 Warwick Avenue, Warwick.