We are currently living in an unusual time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and many in the greater Matthews area are in need of help.  In fact, they are begging for help.  Hi, I’m Jim Taylor, former Mayor of Matthews.  I am working with a group of local volunteer leaders to make sure those in our community who need help... get help. WHO NEEDS HELP? It may be a neighbor who is out of work. It could be a co-worker whose hours at work have been reduced.  It could be a friendly small business owner who has been forced to close down.  Or it could be a friend you know who has never needed help before but is now struggling.  It may be you or your loved ones because many are vulnerable at this time.  These are real people, and many don’t know how they will survive. HOW CAN YOU HELP? Fortunately, Matthews is a community where many of us have been blessed to be in a position to provide this much needed help.  So we have organized a fundraiser for our local charity called the <a href="http://www.matthewshelpcenter.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matthews HELP Center</a> .  Matthews has such a powerful small-town community feel, in part, because so many people step up to help in times of need.  And over the years we have witnessed the tremendous generosity of people in the greater Matthews community.  HOW WILL DONATIONS BE USED? Your donations will allow the HELP Center to provide meals for hungry families; help to pay for utilities or housing costs, and more.   The Help Center has been helping families in the greater Matthews area for many years.  In fact, their mission is to help our neighbors and those in surrounding communities survive financial crisis by providing short-term assistance.  They have the systems and volunteer structure in place to evaluate real needs and get direct help to those who qualify.  But the current financial crisis, brought on by the closing of our economy, has nearly depleted the resources of the Matthews Help Center.  What does this mean?  It means we need your help.  We are counting on the community to step up and come to the rescue. HOW MUCH OF MY DONATION GOES TOWARD HELPING? The good news is that every single dollar raised through this campaign will go directly to help our neighbors and friends.   No money we raise will go toward salaries or overhead for the Help Center.  100% of the money raised will go back into the community and is tax deductible for you, the donor. Please show your compassion and generosity today by donating through our Go Fund Me Page, and then encourage your family and friends to do so as well. WHO IS BEHIND THIS EFFORT? The idea to begin this effort came from Mumukshu Brahmbhatt, more commonly known around town as “MB.”  He is the owner of The UPS Store in the Sycamore Commons Shopping Center.  MB recently became aware of some of the hardships in our community and he stepped up to organize this effort. In addition to MB, the initial steering committee for this effort includes past Mayors Jim Taylor and Paul Bailey, past Council Woman Barbara Dement, Barry Steiger, Nobie Thrasher, Steve Huff, Hazen Blodgett, Mayor John Higdon and Dr. Vasant Patel.  In fact, since this steering committee was formed, other community benefactors have come forward to help. WE NEED YOU!  A steering committee can organize and the get the effort underway but this need will only be met if the whole community comes together.   Many will only be able to give a little, but many little bits add up to a lot.  So if you can spare a $5 or $10 or $20 or $100 donation, it will make a difference.  If you have the ability to give a large donation, that will be appreciated as well.  Together, we can make a difference and get the help to those who are struggling.  We need you! DON’T KEEP THIS A SECRET. Thank you for your support.  In addition to your financial contribution, we ask you to tell your friends and neighbors about this effort.  One great way to spread the message is to share on Facebook, other social media, and private email. Thank you all for your help and generosity.  May God bless us all in these challenging times. <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/47630086_1587748739314275_r.jpeg" alt="47630086_1587748739314275_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />

Martin McInerney

CRG Matthews

Andy and Pam Cudahy

Anonymous

Lisa Thompson

Ronald Kimble

Heather Thompson

Matt Myers

Tropical Smoothie Cafe - Matthews

Keith Morris

Barbara Dement

Mike and Lynn  Hickaby

Nayan mehta

Benjamin Smith

Matthews HELPing Matthews

Matthews HELPing Matthews

Still $77,974 to go. Help us build momentum.