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Some assistance programs feeling pinch
By MICHELE MILLER, Times Staff Writer
When it comes to helping Pasco's neediest youngsters this holiday season, it appears to be a mixed bag. Those in need are able to to apply for assistance through the Assist Believe and Care (ABC) programs at their children's schools. The ABC programs are often a mainstay for those who meet income guidelines and are seeking donations of food, clothing and toys during the holiday season. In the past, the ABC program has been a last resort when it comes to paying an overdue electric or other utility bill. But while some ABC programs are thriving this year, others are struggling. At Sunray Elementary School 63 percent of the students are on free and reduced breakfast and lunch programs. Next year, said guidance counselor Amee Andrews, the school likely will be eligible for federal money aimed at educating low-income children. A few businesses, the PTA and faculty members are the prime source of donations at Sunray Elementary School in Holiday. A school-wide food drive for the holiday season saw few donations. "We don't get much, though, because our school is so needy," said Andrews, who coordinates Sunray's ABC program. The ABC program is sponsoring 20 families this year for the holidays, but many more are in need, Andrews said. "We've had to limit the program this year," she said. "We just don't have the funding to help pay electric bills. We can't help who we want to help. We have to turn down people." The school has a giving tree in the school lobby where those who want to help can sponsor a child buy taking an ornament with a list of the child's needs. So far, most of that help has come from faculty members, Andrews said. "They never complain, but we would like to be able to do this without so much help from the teachers. "What we're mostly looking for is school-appropriate clothing -- especially during the winter months -- shoes, sneakers, underwear, socks -- we even take used. It doesn't have to be brand new," Andrews said. "And during the holidays -- maybe a toy or something." Things are also looking a little dire for the ABC program at R.B. Cox Elementary School in Dade City. "We have a lot of requests for support with rent and utilities. We can't fill all of them," said Bermice cq Mathis, the assistant principal and ABC coordinator at Cox. "Our funds are getting low, but we still have a few dollars." Cox students benefit greatly from the local Toys for Tots program, Mathis said. "They make sure our families are taken care of that way," she said. Though the school has received some donations of bicycles, toy donations are not a priority, Mathis said. High on the list of needs are children's clothes, socks and especially during the winter, sweaters and jackets. "We provide the basics," said Mathis, "The very basics." The picture is rosier elsewhere thanks to outside help and faculty members who tend to be the biggest donators when it comes to students.. During their holiday food drive, some 4,500 non-perishable food items were collected at Schrader Elementary School in New Port Richey. Youngsters such as fifth-grader Caleb Aranda, who spent $25 of money he earned babysitting and doing chores, came through in a big way, providing not only for some 23 ABC families at the school, but also seven local charities. All but three of the 33 families who have asked for assistance at Schrader will have their holiday needs met through faculty and outside donations, said ABC coordinator and guidance counselor Irene Araneda. Those three families will be provided for through ABC money. "We'll be going shopping next week for them," Araneda said. With the help of local organizations, churches and staff members, some 80 food baskets and more than 300 toys have been donated for the children who attend Lacoochee Elementary School. "We are doing great," said health assistant Nancy Laviano, who heads her school's ABC program. "Because of all this help we'll be able to help all our ABC families." Those who want to make a donation or sponsor a child may call the ABC Program coordinator at the school of their choice.
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