BUCKHANNON — The Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur awarded a matching challenge grant to the Upshur Parish House earmarked for Crosslines in support of Upshur County residents needing assistance with utilities and rent.
This grant will match up to $5,000 in contributions from individuals, businesses, civic organizations and churches.
“The pandemic has created increased need for our Upshur County families,” stated Kristi Wilkerson, director of the Upshur Parish House and Crosslines. “We are assisting neighbors (clients) we have not previously met because of circumstances surrounding the pandemic.”
Crosslines is the financial assistance agency housed at the Upshur Parish House at 68 College Avenue. Together, the two organizations offer a food pantry, holiday meal baskets, diapers, personal hygiene items, and financial assistance with rent and utility bills, to those who qualify. At present, an anticipated $10,000 is needed per month during the winter to adequately assist neighbors in need.
“When a family asks for assistance, they are in a termination situation,” explained Wilkerson. “They have received a shut-off notice from a utility company or eviction notice from a landlord. We do all we can to make sure no family, no elderly person, and no child in Upshur County has to live without water, heat, or shelter.”
“Although we have only just announced this matching opportunity this morning, we have learned one anonymous donor has already contributed a $1,000 gift,” Wilkerson said. “We are tremendously grateful for the generosity of our local Rotary club, this anonymous donor, and our wonderful community members. We couldn’t carry out our mission without this support.”
“The Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur is proud to partner with the Parish House and Crosslines,” stated Rotary president Julie Keehner. “We recognize the important work they do with and for our community and are pleased to contribute monetarily and through our ongoing service.”
To donate and have your gift matched by Rotary, mail a check to the Parish House and Crosslines at 68 College Avenue, Buckhannon, WV 26201, stop by any weekday morning, or call us at 304-472-0743. Like and follow us on Facebook to stay up to date on our latest news at Upshur Cooperative Parish: Parish House and Crosslines Inc.
