The relief fund grew out of an event held by the Cedar Key Lions called "In Another`s Shoes." The Lions periodically held fundraisers for needy individuals in the area and this event was quite successful as their others had been. The problem they encountered was that an organization can only have a limited number of fundraisers while the supply of the needy just keeps growing. That is where I came in. Our church, the Cedar Key United Methodist Church, hosts the Cedar Key Community Food Pantry, Cedar Key`s resource for area relief. The food pantry is supported by three of the island`s churches, the Lions, the Pirates, and private donors as well but since I am the most visible and accessible person known for helping the needy, I soon had all of the clientele that I could handle, more in fact than our church budget could accommodate.
The Lions could raise funds. I could supply the needy. It was a marriage made in heaven. My friend and associate Ken Young and I made a plan whereby we could manage a small amount of funds and distribute those funds without overlap. We got the other island churches and civic organizations on board with donations, referrals, and prayer and voila, The Cedar Key Community Relief Fund was born. Currently, The Cedar Key Community Relief Fund supplies Gasoline-only pre-paid gas cards for persons having to drive themselves or a loved one for medical treatments. We assist with utility bills. We provide food and emergency lodging for persons who find themselves on the streets of Cedar Key. We make small loans. All of these efforts are intended for emergencies only and not for long-term assistance. We never pay out cash, ever. We pay third parties only.
We have had some successes. Persons` whose budget is stressed to the breaking point having to drive to Gainesville several days a week to visit medical facilities are grateful for those gas cards. Folks who are single parents might have been evicted from their homes were it not for our help. Brothers and sisters have been taken off the streets, given a hot meal and a clean room and made to feel human again.
Of course we have had some failures as well. Some loans go unpaid. Resourceful folks can find a way to cheat but these petty crimes have been few and are unlikely to be repeated, at least by the same perpetrators. That is the chance one takes by caring.
Can you help the Cedar Key Community Relief Fund? You could donate to the relief fund by sending a check to:
The Cedar Key Community Relief Fund
c/o Cedar Key United Methodist Church
PO Box 338
Cedar Key, Fl. 32625
Your gift is fully tax deductible. Because of the support of the Cedar Key United Methodist Church, 100% of the funds received by the fund go to those we serve. How many charities can make that claim? All relief efforts are directed to those living in the 32625 area code so be assured that your donations stay at home.
There are still other ways that you might contribute. We have room for persons wanting to help direct and provide oversight for the fund. We would welcome broader participation. Another way you might help is to let us know if you have a friend or neighbor in need. Many people feel ashamed of their desperation and choose to suffer in silence. Help us help the people of Cedar Key. Call Clark at: 543-0011. One of the great things about living in Cedar Key is the beautiful sense of community here. That is what we are about, building and maintaining community. A person recently said of the fund, "Oh, another entitlement program." That is wrong. No one qualifies for our assistance because of their income or status. They need only to be suffering and feeling hopeless. Believe me; no one sets out to get their hands on our funds. Dear reader, it is my prayer that you have a healthy and prosperous New Year and that your life be full of love. Remember that "every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above." We are only stewards of the good things we have and as such are called upon to share them with those less fortunate. Give generously, love deeply, live fully. | 