Crucial organizations seek funding boost

By Anya Tikka
DINGMAN TOWNSHIP — Dingman supervisors considered how to support struggling organizations that provide crucial services in Pike County.

Three organizations are looking for a boost in funding: Pike County Safe Haven, the Dingman Volunteer Fire Department, and the Pike County Library.

Safe Haven depends on help from the state and from personal donations.

“They run from month to month and don’t have money to put aside,” said Chair Tom Mincer at the supervisors' meeting Sept. 15. “So we hope someone in Harrisburg will do at least a stopgap measure for them to stay alive.”

Safe Haven serves women and children in the county who are abused and often have nowhere to go, he said.

“It’s too hard to even imagine," said Mincer. "They have to let people go. They don’t have money. I’m on my soapbox, but something needs to be done.”

Mincer said he was prepared to take the issue to public organizations of all kinds to get the funds needed.

Safe Haven also asked Dingman Township for permission to hold a "color splash" festival and fundraiser at the township park on Oct. 3.

“There’s a lot non-toxic chalk people can buy and toss the chalk out," said Mincer. "It’s a very popular way to raise money. They’re asking the township to use the park that day. It’s a major event for them to raise money. They’re begging us to help out. The services Safe Haven provides are crucial so it’s important we help them. It’s important for us they help women, victims of violence, sexual abuse, children, and so on.”

Supervisors granted permission to Safe Haven to use Dingman Township Park.

'Great for the community'Dingman Voluntary Fire Department also runs on contributions. Chief Mark O’Brien and President Al Valente, at the meeting to give their regular report, said they’re holding a beefsteak dinner at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, at the firehouse. On offer are "Beef, Beer and Music."

"Who could ask for more?" says their flyer.

Mincer praised the volunteers who keep the service — quicker and better than paid services — going strong.

“It’s an incredible event, great value, beef, all you can eat," said Mincer.

Tickets are available from the firehouse, by calling 570-686-3696, or emailing dingmanfire@verizon.net.

Pike County Library drew praise from Mincer, too. So many people use the library system for many different things, he said. It's worthy of community support.

“They do great things to get together, and they’re asking for a donation," said Mincer. "They’re great for the community."

Related story"Color splash to benefit Safe Haven": See page 14 and also online at: http://bit.ly/1KTkC7q