While the nation prepares itself for addressing its own fiscal cliff, our students, staff, and faculty on campus face their own financial hardships and challenges. One of the ways in which Lynchburg College helps to “take care of its own” is through the LC Cares program, which is coordinated through the Chaplain’s Office. The idea for LC Cares came about when Dr. Ken West suggested we might want to consider having an ongoing fund available for community members facing a financial emergency rather than having separate fund raisers for specific needs that would come up from time to time.
Several years later the LC Cares program continues to provide emergency assistance to individuals in need. All of the money distributed through LC Cares comes through the generosity of faculty, staff, and even an occasional student who either make regular contributions through payroll deduction or occasional monetary gifts throughout the year. The pie chart above gives a breakdown of how funds were used last year to assist those in need. What the chart is unable to show is the deep gratitude and appreciation of the recipients who through no fault of their own were facing extreme difficulties. The death of a spouse, the loss of a parent’s job, an automobile breakdown, and illness accompanied by high prescription costs are but a few of the reasons individuals seek the support of LC Cares.
The good news is that we have a very generous community eager and willing to help. The challenging news is that our requests for help are beginning to exceed our financial resources and ability to respond. During this season of Thanksgiving, we are grateful to all who do contribute to LC Cares. Your generosity is a blessing to many. If you have not given in the past, we invite you to consider doing so now. A contribution to LC Cares in the name of a colleague or loved one makes a wonderful holiday gift and blesses the person honored, the benefactor, and the recipient as well. (See below for instructions for giving.)
As all of us are being deluged this time of year with worthy requests for assistance, we hope that LC Cares might be included on our lists. What better way to go Above and Beyond than to reach out to members of our own LC family in times of need. Blessings to all and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Blessings, Anne
(To make a contribution, complete a form from Human Resources for Payroll Deduction. Or simply write a check to Lynchburg College, put “LC Cares” on the memo line, and mail to Spiritual Life, Lynchburg College, 1501 Lakeside Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24501.)