Giving close to home: Local causes that need us

By John Bernhisel

Remember that checkbook you have buried at the bottom of your purse or junk drawer?

During this season of giving, I’m reminded not only of my own blessings but also of how many of our neighbors are facing very real needs. Some are struggling to stay warm, keep food on the table or simply get through a difficult moment. While national and global charities do wonderful work, it’s worth remembering that some of the most meaningful giving happens right here at home.

I’ve always loved the “pay it forward” idea portrayed in Catherine Ryan Hyde’s novel of the same name. We can’t always give directly to the people who shaped us. My favorite elementary teachers, Miss Krohn and Miss Hill, certainly don’t need my donations, but I can and have donated books to our local libraries in their honor. Small acts like that ripple outward, touching people we may never meet.

Below are just a few of the organizations in our communities that could use a little extra help this year. Each one serves local families quietly and faithfully, and even a modest gift can make a real difference close to home. Maybe this is the moment to pull out the checkbook and send a little support their way. And if you have needs, these groups are here for you, too.

Lovell Food Pantry at the United Methodist Church

The Lovell Food Pantry, located inside the Lovell United Methodist Church, provides year-round support to any local families who need help keeping food on the table. The pantry serves individuals of all ages and circumstances, offering shelf-stable groceries, basic meal items and emergency food boxes when needed. With winter approaching and holiday demand increasing, the pantry is especially grateful for community donations to help keep shelves stocked.

The pantry welcomes contributions of canned soups, vegetables, fruits, boxed meals, pasta, rice, peanut butter, cereal, macaroni and cheese and other non-perishable staples. Items like toiletries, laundry soap and basic household products are also helpful, as these essentials are often in short supply for struggling families. Monetary donations are appreciated, as well, and allow volunteers to restock the highest-need items. Every contribution stays local and directly supports families in the Lovell area.

You can send a check to: Lovell Food Pantry, P.O. Box 324, Lovell, WY 82431.

Lovell Fire Department food baskets

The Lovell Volunteer Fire Department is once again collecting food and monetary donations to provide holiday food baskets for individuals and families in need across Lovell, Cowley, Byron, Deaver and Frannie. This long-running effort depends on the generosity of local residents, businesses and clergy, and last year volunteers were able to deliver nearly 180 baskets. Community members are invited to donate either money or non-perishable food items, and no contribution is too small to make a difference.

Donations can be delivered to the Lovell Fire Hall at 314 Nevada Avenue, or pickup can be arranged by calling 548-6427. The department asks that all contributions be made by December 15 to allow time for sorting and distribution before the holidays. All donations go entirely to local families, and the department also welcomes confidential referrals of anyone who may need a basket this year.

You can mail a check to: Lovell Fire Department, 314 Nevada Avenue, Lovell, WY 82431.

Hospital Foundation 

Share-a-Stocking trees

The North Big Horn Hospital’s Share-a-Stocking trees are now up in both the clinic and hospital lobbies, featuring nearly 200 children from local families in need. This more than 25-year tradition is a wonderful way to help ensure local children enjoy a brighter Christmas. Community members are invited to grab a stocking or two and return the requested gifts by December 10, which will then be delivered by the Lovell Police Department.

You can mail a check to: NBHH Foundation, 1115 Lane 12, Lovell, WY 82431.

CARES crisis center / women’s shelter

CARES, Inc. operates a 24/7 crisis hotline providing support for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, human trafficking and other crimes. Their advocates connect individuals with social services, legal resources, emergency shelter and comprehensive victim advocacy. Donations help support the CARES shelters in both Lovell and Basin.

In addition to monetary support, the CARES shelters also accept shelf-stable food donations for individuals who may need to stay overnight. Helpful items include crackers, cookies, applesauce cups, fruit cups, granola bars, fruit snacks, instant mac and cheese and juice boxes. If you are in need of their services call 307-292-1764 or dial 911 and you will be connected.

You can send a check to: CARES Crisis Center, P.O. Box 288, Basin, WY 82410.

Lovell Area Chamber
of Commerce coat drive

The Lovell Chamber of Commerce Coat Drive is one of those steady, behind-the-scenes efforts that makes a real difference each winter. The Chamber accepts new or gently used coats, gloves, hats, scarves and other cold-weather essentials for all ages and sizes -- from toddlers to adults. Every donation stays local, going directly to families who need help staying warm as Wyoming temperatures drop.

Donations can be dropped off during business hours at the Lovell Chamber of Commerce, and if you or someone you know needs a coat, you’re welcome to stop by anytime and pick one up, no questions asked. With the cold weather about to hit, even one warm coat or pair of gloves can mean a safer, more comfortable winter for a neighbor right here at home.

You can send a check to: Chamber Coat Drive, 287 E. Main, Lovell, WY 82431.

The Closet for
 community assistance

A coordinated network of community “Closets” is providing fast, practical assistance to families in crisis across Big Horn County. Operated through New Life Church in Powell, the Outpost in Cody and Basin Baptist Church and supported by a Children’s Trust Fund grant, these Closets work together to meet urgent needs. They are also fundraising to establish a new Closet in Lovell in the near future.

The Closets supply immediate resources for agencies such as Head Start, DFS, local schools, law enforcement, OneHealth and other Child Protection Team partners. They stock essential items including diapers, wipes, children’s clothing, shoes, coats, hygiene products, school supplies, cleaning supplies and some small furniture. Because they function as a unified system, if one location doesn’t have a needed item, volunteers quickly locate it from another Closet and deliver it where it’s needed. Families and caseworkers do not have to contact multiple sites; one request is shared across the entire network.

You can send a check to: Reclaimed Ministries Closet, P.O. Box 782, Powell, WY 82435.

The Cowley Rec. Board – sports scholarship program

The Cowley Rec youth sports scholarship program helps ensure that every child in the community can participate in local sports, regardless of a family’s financial situation. For some households, even the $25 fee for most sports or the $50 fee for football can be difficult to manage, especially with multiple children. To help ease that burden and keep kids active, Cowley Rec is accepting donations toward these scholarships. Community members can contribute during the Cowley Rec Christmas celebration on December 6.

You can send a check to: Cowley Rec. Department, P.O. Box 264, Cowley, WY 82420.

Deaver / Frannie community libraries

As a result of significant county budget cuts, the Deaver and Frannie libraries were officially closed by the County Library System. Much of their furniture, computers, shelving, and a portion of their books were removed and redistributed to other county branches, though many of the books were thankfully left behind. The two libraries are now being operated independently by their towns with the help of dedicated volunteers. They would greatly appreciate donations of current popular books, quality children’s books, office supplies and especially computers that volunteers and patrons can use.

You can send a check to: Deaver Town Library, P.O. Box 202, Deaver, WY 82421.
You can send a check to: Frannie Town Library, P.O. Box 72, Frannie, WY 82423

Lovell Branch Library

The Lovell Branch of the Big Horn County Library has also felt the impact of serious budget cuts and appreciates both cash donations and book donations in good, current condition. Popular novels, children’s books and other high-interest titles are especially welcome, and monetary gifts help support programs and allow the library to purchase needed materials. The library also benefits from donations of craft supplies and all types of paper -- construction paper, copy paper, card stock and even wrapping paper. The “library of things” accepts gently used board and card games, puzzles, learning toys, movies and books as space allows.

Donations may be delivered during regular business hours (Monday–Thursday 10–5 and Friday 1–5).

You can send a check to: Lovell Branch Library, 300 Oregon Ave., Lovell, WY 82431.

Energy Share Wyoming

Energy Share of Wyoming helps families who are struggling to keep their heat and electricity on, providing emergency assistance for utility bills, propane and essential energy needs when no other resources are available. Donors may also request that their contribution be used specifically to help households in Big Horn County.

You can send a check to: Energy Share Wyoming, 822 W. 23rd Street, Cheyenne, WY 82001.

Big Horn REA community projects

Big Horn REA members can support local community needs by logging into their online account and choosing to “Round Up” their monthly bill. Through the voluntary Round Up Foundation program, your electric bill is rounded up to the next whole dollar, with the spare change, about $6 per year on average, going directly to help local causes such as public libraries, volunteer fire departments, playgrounds, community centers and families facing emergencies.

You can send a check to: Big Horn REA Community Projects, P.O. Box 270, Basin, WY 82410.

It is so hard to choose

The hardest part about putting this list together is knowing that I’ve surely left out groups that also deserve our support: local museums, youth organizations, community clubs and so many others. This season is about giving, so don’t feel limited by what’s written here. If you know of a worthy group I missed, get on Facebook, Instagram or whatever platform you use and share it. Give to your local church, animal shelter, community club or youth program. And remember, our schools are facing real budget cuts this year, so use both your voice and your wallet to support the things that matter most in our communities.