Lend A Hand Project

.Marilyn is President of the project, and Ellen is a board member and Past President. The following description borrows heavily from their website:

 

The Lend A Hand Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to enhancing the lives of the needy on Long Island based upon the highest tenets of charitable giving. Through the anonymous pairing of volunteer supporters with neighbors in need, they extend a helping hand to provide not only material assistance, but also ongoing relationships and friendship with complete dignity.

 

Sponsor/donors provide material and financial assistance to needy people on Long Island. They provide a safety net for struggling individuals and families, including many young children, who are having difficulty navigating the challenges in their lives.

 

The Lend A Hand Project makes it possible to give in a way that is personal, yet always anonymous. Sponsors are matched with needy recipients, sending thoughtful packages to their recipients at least four times per year, generally keyed to holidays. The packages might include toys, clothing, gift cards, school supplies, or other gently used or new items that are best suited to their recipient’s and their family’s needs.

 

The sponsor-recipient program is much more than just sending material items—it is about showing recipients that there are people out there who care about them. Exchanging notes and letters is often as powerful, if not more so, than giving material goods. Being a sponsor, in many ways, means being a friend.

 

Sponsors and recipients are fully vetted and paired with each other by a professional Case Manager, who help to guide sponsors through the entire process. Currently, The Lend A Hand Project is changing the lives of more than 1,000 people across Long Island. 

 

Marilyn and Ellen are shown above with Babylon Rotary President Megan Noble.