Thanks to the Christmas Helping Hand Up $50,000 Matching Grant we have been able to ease the pains of poverty for 57 senior citizens, the handicapped, veterans, single mothers, children and working poor family members in our communities.
We began this matching grant on Dec. 12, 2025, and last week we completed the distribution of funds to those most in need of poverty relief.
100% of all funds donated to the Christmas Helping Hand Up $50,000 Matching Grant were used to provide the following assistance:
Rent and shelter: $25,622.58
Thanks to the Christmas Helping Hand Up $50,000 Matching Grant, two elderly women were given peace of mind while undergoing cancer treatments that left them unable to pay their rent. After spending two months in a motel and a homeless shelter, a homeless couple was provided with their first month's rent and security deposit to secure stable housing.
A grandmother caring for her two disabled adult grandchildren received critical rental assistance to keep a roof over their heads. A young woman was given several months of rent while she recovered from brain surgery. A single mother of three children, who lost her job after a serious fall and multiple surgeries, was also able to remain in her home because of this support.
Thank you for making this vital part of our poverty relief efforts possible.
Utilities: $7,800 (Electric $4,900; Gas $2,100; Water $800) Gas, electric, and water bills were paid for those most vulnerable to the devastating effects of utility disconnection. Your generous donations, matched dollar for dollar through the Christmas Helping Hand Up $50,000 Matching Grant, made this critical assistance possible.
For many the rising costs of food, rent, prescription medications, and other basic necessities often make it extremely difficult to keep up with utility payments. Because of this matching grant, 14 of our fellow neighbors were able to keep their lights on, their water running, and their homes safe and warm.
Food: $6,116.96
Your generous donations, matched by the Christmas Helping Hand Up $50,000 Matching Grant, helped lift the burden of hunger from many individuals and families struggling with food insecurity. Because of this support, children, senior citizens, veterans, working-poor families, single mothers, and individuals with disabilities were saved from the very real pains of hunger.
Nutritious fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, dairy products, meats and other wholesome staples are always needed, yet they are often the hardest for people on tight budgets to afford. Thanks to this matching grant, fresh and healthy food was provided to those who needed it most, restoring not only physical strength but also peace of mind.
Household necessities: $3,731.39
Your generous donations, matched through the Christmas Helping Hand Up $50,000 Matching Grant, provided essential household items to many senior citizens, single mothers, children, and working-poor families striving to rebuild their lives. Sheets, blankets, towels, cleaning supplies, vacuums, and other necessities were placed into the hands of those who otherwise could not afford them.
For the individuals and families, especially those moving on from homeless shelters and even an elderly couple living in their car, these simple household goods are often completely out of reach. Thanks to this matching grant, we were able to ensure that many families moving into stable housing had not only a roof over their heads, but also the fresh start they so deeply deserved.
Toiletries: $1,812.21
Your generous support has also allowed us to provide essential toiletries to those living in poverty. These items that are necessary for health, dignity, and daily living are often unaffordable for our fellow creations struggling to survive. Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, diapers, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, and other personal care essentials were distributed to children, seniors, the homeless, veterans and working-poor families.
Because of your kindness, individuals were able to maintain personal hygiene, preserve their dignity, and face each day with renewed confidence and hope.
Transportation: $42,701.34
Once again, our largest area of assistance was transportation. For many, reliable transportation is the critical link between stability and poverty.
Without it, maintaining employment becomes nearly impossible, and the risk of job loss and homelessness increases dramatically.
Some recipients were driving vehicles that were unsafe and beyond repair. Others had no vehicle at all and were relying on transportation services, an expensive solution, or friends and neighbors for rides, an unreliable solution. Through your generosity, three carefully reviewed vehicles were purchased for individuals who needed dependable transportation to remain employed.
In addition, we made car payments, completed extensive repairs on three vehicles that were worth restoring, and installed new tires on three cars to ensure safer travel.
Gas gift cards were also provided to these recipients and many others struggling with the cost of gas for medical appointments and long commutes to jobs.
Every dollar was stretched responsibly so that as many people as possible could secure the reliable transportation they need to work and to care for their families.
Beds: $3,134.50
Because of your generosity, six low-income senior citizens and disabled individuals, were able to receive new beds. Too often, people living in poverty sleep on worn-out mattresses, couches, or the floor because replacing a bed simply isn't financially possible.
A safe, comfortable bed is essential for proper rest, healing, and overall health. Thanks to your support these individuals will now have the comfort of a restful night's sleep.
Handicapped assistance: $2,377.08
A young quadriplegic woman was left stranded in her workplace parking lot when the wheelchair lift on her vehicle suddenly failed, cutting off her ability to return home.
Thanks to this matching grant, we were able to cover the necessary repairs to restore the lift and pay for a motel room when she could not get home while the lift was being repaired.
This young woman and her caregiver mother are very grateful for the support from The Time is Now to Help that allowed her to maintain a job and her independence.
Home repairs: $6,703.94
Your generosity also made critical home repairs possible for people living in unsafe conditions. A new heater was installed in a mobile home where the occupants had been enduring cold temperatures without heat.
A family living without a functioning furnace received a new furnace, restoring safety and comfort to their home.
An elderly couple, previously homeless and finally settled into stable housing, was blessed with the installation of a washer and dryer to ease their physical burden. These repairs provided lifesaving, life changing assistance to the most vulnerable.
Grand total: $100,000
Thank "You" and God Bless "You" for making the Christmas Helping Hand Up $50,000 Matching Grant a success and for the many lives touched by your compassion and generosity.
We also want to let you know your donations can continue to be doubled at this time thanks to the Family Foundation 2026 $40,000 Matching Grant, allowing your donations to reach twice as many people struggling due to poverty.
Health & Happiness, Love & God Bless Everyone, Sal
