Page 51 - Discover Fall 2020

Christmas trees were distributed to
many of the non-profits in Rocky
Mount, including Helping Hands, and
they were told to decorate the trees in
a theme that reflects the services that
they provide. A contest would follow, in
which anyone donating an unwrapped
toy could vote for their favorite entry.
Obviously, Helping Hands
decorated their tree with a “hand”
theme. There were real red mittens and
hand prints on felt hearts scattered over
the tree, along with traditional colored
ornaments and frosted pine cones. Gold
garland and a gold star at the top added
finishing touches. Helping Hands didn’t
win the contest, but when the festival
was over, volunteers took the tree to the
woman’s apartment. Donated toys under
all of the trees were distributed by We
Care of Franklin County.
The knowledge that those children
would have a Christmas tree and some
toys made Christmas brighter for
everyone: the volunteers at Helping
Hands, the mother, and those two young
children.
“Many of our clients are good,
hard-working adults who are one
paycheck away from disaster,” Kay says.
“Trying to navigate life when you do not
have the resources is very stressful, and
we hope by helping lift some of their
financial burden we make life at least a
little less stressful for them.”
Helping Hands of Franklin
County was founded in 1994 by Thomas
K. Boyle, who served as its executive
director until 2001. Sam Campbell
replaced him and served for the next
17 years. Kay, who had been serving
as board chair at the time, became
executive director in 2018.
“We are always looking for
volunteers,” Kay says. “Anyone interested
in joining us here at Helping Hands
should give us a call at 540-483-2387.”
She went on to explain that
all volunteers are trained in budget
counseling as well as decision making
regarding the amount of assistance
provided to a specific client. They
also serve as receptionists, along with
performing other office duties.
For the safety of its volunteers
and clients, Helping Hands of Franklin
County is taking only phone calls.
There will be no personal one-on-one
meetings until the threat of spreading
the virus is over. All discussions with
clients are “dignified, respectful and
confidential,” Kay promises.
To speak with a volunteer, call on
Tues. or Thurs. 9am-1pm. To donate
to Helping Hands, you may mail your
contribution to:
Helping Hands of
Franklin County
P.O. Box 429
Rocky Mount, VA 24151
Ninety-one percent of all donations go
directly to client assistance.
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