Spreading goodwill this holiday season
By Najja R. Orr, MBA, PCA president & CEO
Goodwill has been in no short supply in the time since we were all impacted by the pandemic. Despite the many challenges, we have witnessed some amazing examples of humanity at its greatest. We’ve all personally observed these genuine acts of “above and beyond,” including organizations that assisted with vaccine registration and coordination, helped to fight food insecurities, and provided resources and financial support to individuals who fell on economic hardship. I keep the faith that we will all be stronger, individually and together, after this experience.
During this season of gratitude, I also want to acknowledge the tremendous work that our PCA staff provides to uplift our communities. As a nonprofit organization serving older Philadelphians and adults with disabilities living in Philadelphia, PCA’s work has always been driven by its mission and its staff embody this calling to serve and support each day. I continue to be amazed and thankful for all that our phenomenal staff does. We continue to support them as they support our communities.
One of the many ways PCA responds to the needs of our older adult neighbors is through the Emergency Fund for Older Philadelphians. This fund provides emergency relief to older people who have exhausted all other financial resources for essentials, such as food, medications, and utilities. As temperatures drop across our region, the need for funds to heat homes increases significantly. Each year, funds for home heating oil account for more than half of the total resources dispersed by the Emergency Fund for Older Philadelphians. This work could not be possible without the goodwill of countless donors who annually support the Emergency Fund. With heating and food costs rising, the need is greater than ever. For those who wish to contribute and assist us in our work, we encourage individuals to go to pcaCares.org/donate.
As we approach the holiday season and keep the spirit of goodwill alive in our hearts, I wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season.
