Gene and Marlene Humanitarian Fund Donate $50,000 to Bucks County Opportunity Council clients. (Courtesy of Bucks County Opportunity Council)
Fifty Bucks County residents will receive direct financial relief thanks to a $50,000 donation from the Gene and Marlene Epstein Humanitarian Fund. The funds will be distributed as $1,000 checks to individuals vetted through Bucks County Opportunity Council.
The first recipients received their checks on Wednesday, February 11th at the BCOC office in Bristol. The event was attended by BCOC leadership, staff, BCOC participants, board members, and elected officials.
Gene and Marlene say, “Assistance can make a meaningful difference during difficult times, helping families stabilize and move forward.”. BCOC has participants who need that support and Gene and Marlene understand that this gift might change someone’s month, improve their conditions, and help lift them up to make a better life for themselves and their families. Gene sold a personal car to contribute money to give. Shir Ami in Newtown and Ohev Shalom in Richboro also made contributions to the Humanitarian Fund to help support this effort.
With this donation, Gene and Marlene also hope to inspire others who can engage with worthy causes throughout their community.
The recipients yesterday included Wayne, an individual who had been homeless for the last eight years until BCOC helped him move into his own place last week. He rode to the event on his bike, got a flat tire on the way, and still made it there. He talked with Gene and shared how grateful he was.
Another recipient, Mary, had just come from an important medical appointment. She was so grateful for the help and just could not believe anyone would help in this way. She said BCOC has been so supportive, and she doesn’t know what she would have done without our assistance.
Bryan shared that because of BCOC’s help, he and his wife, Shanda, are in a better place and are giving back to their community. They started a food pantry in Bristol and are proud to help people every day, just as they have been helped.
Erin Lukoss, Executive Director/CEO of BCOC said, “Today is a powerful example of what happens when compassion meets action. At BCOC, we believe that families know best what they need. Whether it’s keeping the heat on, paying rent, fixing a car so someone can get to work, or buying groceries, this kind of flexible support can be life changing. It can reduce stress, prevent crises, and create breathing room so families can focus on their goals.”
