Parkersburg and Aplington Power of 50 group brings holiday joy to those in need
By CATHERINE CROW – Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, Iowa (TNS)
PARKERSBURG — Community members in Aplington and Parkersburg have embraced this season of giving by donating Christmas gifts to 38 children with four of them being at the House of Hope Pillars program.
The program helps those either leaving or aging out of foster care.
With so many foster children to help out, group creator Katie Reints and fellow members wrapped and loaded four full carloads of gifts. On the way to drop off presents Dec. 15, Reints heard the song “Here Comes Santa Claus.” It could not have been more on the mark.
The Power of 50 started donating to the organization, giving essentials along with each recipient’s top three “Santa gifts.”
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The Power of 50 group in Aplington and Parkersburg delivered four carloads full of gifts to those phasing out of or leaving foster care.
The Power of 50 Facebook group, based in Parkersburg, was created nine years ago to bring together people eager to help those in need. The name comes from the idea of “if we can get even 50 of us to donate even a small amount each, add people and situations to our prayers and along with our donation,” said Reints. “The idea that there are 50 and more people behind a give, is a real powerful thing for people to feel as a recipient.”
When the group first started, it collected items and money targeting three families in need. It has since grown far beyond that. Reints said the group originally focused on its home communities but now has an expanded vision.
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The Aplington and Parkersburg community group Power of 50 wrapped presents for 38 foster children in the House of Hope Pillars program.
“Wow. Gosh. Look at the people in here … people that want to help others,” said Reints.
Besides giving presents the group provides a helping hand to those in need by donating money towards providing essential needs for families nominated by members of the group. “It was turning into ‘this family needs help,’” said Reints.
Nominations for donations are approved by group administrators and the family or person in need of assistance. The contributions Power of 50 provides are not always the same. It’s all about what someone needs.
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Parkersburg and Aplington group Power of 50 gives back with donations and gifts to those in need.
Once a request is posted the group fulfills it within hours. And donations are not necessarily large. The first Friday of the month – “$5 Fridays” – raised more than $300 when it was first introduced.
As the Power of 50 has grown in members the group also has aligned with Kaden’s Kloset, a Cedar Valley organization focused on helping foster families. Donations are tax deductible.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated to correct the number of children in the House of Hope Pillars program receiving gifts and to correct a quote by Katie Reints.
10 ways to give back during National Volunteer Week
National Volunteer Week is April 7-13. Idealist.org advises that as you prepare to volunteer, consider the types of opportunities that will work best for you. Finding the right role will ensure your own enjoyment and most importantly fulfill your commitment to the organization, which may have invested significant time in your management and training. Here are some places to look when considering opportunities.
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