Helping out Helping Hands

For over 35 years Helping Hands of Naples has been helping others in Boundary County. The nonprofit, which is funded through private donations and fundraisers, transforms members’ hard work and dedication to help others in the area.

Past activities include feeding swimmers at the Penguin Plunge in March, a semiannual dinners at the South Boundary Fire Station in April, which was canceled this year due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“If you have been in our dinners you know what great cooks we are and you never go home hungry,” Linda Cromwell, president of Helping Hands of Naples, said. “We are looking forward to our dinner in October.”

Helping Hands of Naples has a booth at the Boundary County Fair in August and plans to raffle off several baskets as well as a quilt and table runner.

“Come by and say hi,” Cromwell said.

Cromwell said all who would like to join the group are welcome. Helping Hands of Naples meets on the third Wednesday of every month, usually at the South Boundary Fire Station, but is meeting at other places due to the pandemic.

One of the group’s favorite projects is “Take It or Leave It.” There was a giveaway held on June 27 and another is set for Aug. 22 in the Fairgrounds parking lot. People are welcome to bring items they don’t use, by 1 p.m., and that item is available to take it, at no cost.

“One person’s junk is another person’s treasure,” Cromwell said. “This event helps keep items out of the landfill.”

Helping Hands of Naples’ other Semi Annual Dinner in October, which features a full turkey dinner.

The group’s last fundraiser of the year is a bake sale at Naples Christmas Celebration in December at the South Boundary Fire Station.

With the donations and income from fundraisers, the group is able to help Naples Elementary School with clothing, passes for skiing and skating and special classes, South Boundary Fire Department with supplies for training and luncheons, BFHS Robotics, seniors going to college with private donations and college scholarships for high school seniors, American Cancer Society gas cards, Naples Food Cupboard and families in need.

“We really want to thank everyone who has given us the support we need to continue our endeavors,” Cromwell said. “Hope to see you at the fair.”

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Information: Linda Cromwell, President, Helping Hands of Naples, 208-267-5717