Community Corner

Lake Elsinore Charity Running Tight On Turkeys This Holiday Season

Ron Hewison, head of Helping Our People of Elsinore (H.O.P.E.), is reporting the non-profit organization is facing a "cash squeeze" this holiday season.

A local charity, well known for its work benefiting needy families and seniors living in Elsinore Valley, is asking the community to assist more than ever in 2012 as Thanksgiving and Christmas get closer.

Ron Hewison, head of Helping Our People of Elsinore (H.O.P.E.), is reporting the non-profit organization is facing a “cash squeeze” this holiday season.

“The distribution of Holiday Baskets in 2011 cost over $8,000 and we are concerned that doing the same this year may result in a short term ‘cash squeeze’ in the coming months,” Hewison said Monday.

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H.O.P.E. gives out Holiday Baskets and turkeys every year.

“The greatest expense is the purchase of turkeys,” Hewison said, explaining that community “turkey drives” between now and Thanksgiving could help the Lake Elsinore-based charity.

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In addition to holding turkey drives that benefit H.O.P.E., Hewison also suggested that residents who can afford to do so donate their second buy-one-get-one-free turkey offered by some local grocers this time of year.

“We have freezers at H.O.P.E. that can hold hundreds of turkeys,” he said.

Cash donations are also being accepted at H.O.P.E. All donations designated “Holiday Program” in the coming months will be utilized for the Thanksgiving/Christmas baskets and turkeys, Hewison said.

H.O.P.E., which survives on grants and donations, has faced cash crunches in the past, including one in September that forced the organization to close its doors for two weeks.

For more information on giving to H.O.P.E. or volunteering, contact the office at (951) 245-7510; 29885 2nd Street., Ste R, Lake Elsinore; http://www.helpingourpeopleinelsinore.com.


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