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Struggling to keep the American Dream alive

Editor's note: The Time is Now to Help was founded by a local businessman who knew extreme poverty as a child. With the help of donations from the community, The Time is Now is able to help local residents in need.

Dear readers

What happened to the American dream, the one that we grew up believing - that working hard brings financial reward and independence?

Many are suffering because they've lost their dream. Jobs and homes have been lost. The American dream has been shattered for millions of Americans. Those of us who still have something to share, be it giving of our time, energy or financial support, are caring and sharing for men and women in need. For six years, we have helped nearly 4,700 neighbors.

Every time you look watch the news, you are assaulted with images of poverty, war and conflicts at home and abroad. There is a war for survival happening here in the U.S.

Those who care and share, soldiers for God, are the ones making a difference. I want to recognize the groups and organizations -- new and old -- that have come together for this cause. I want to thank the individuals who gave what they could. Everyone from the senior widow, who has lived her life struggling financially yet continues to give $2 every month, to the foundations and corporations that contribute to our mission. And to all in-between who are helping in our country's war against poverty.

This past year, we have been helping three to four times as many people in desperate need of daily necessities. Together, we have restored many dreams, showing kindness and compassion to ease people's pain. We have supplied shelter and food to many, as well as assistance to the handicapped. We have restored electricity when it has been shut off, we have turned heat on when people were living in the cold, and we have had water turned back on.

Can you imagine living even a day without running water? There are many who do live that way. We have supplied used cars and had many vehicles repaired. We have removed the pain of hunger for many.

I thank all of you for your support, not only financially, but spiritually. I often find myself emotionally exhausted, lying down at the end of the day, my face buried in tears from what I have heard, felt and seen happening to fellow Americans.

Watching people have their simple dreams of home ownership, feeding themselves and their children, buying diapers for their babies and clothing for their children all taken away from them. These kinds of things can make even a strong person like me overwhelmed. The next day, thanks to all of your prayers and support, I am ready to do God's work again.

Every day I say a prayer for all of those who have made The Time Is Now to Help what it is today. There are nearly 4,700 individuals who you do not see, but they are the sole reason for our mission, our calling. Thanks to your donations, they are living much-improved lives. Health & Happiness, God Bless, W.C.

A special thank you to: Drescher Family Charitable Foundation, Michael and Sue Borden, Bill and Lois McEssy, Dick and Jean Honeyager, Gregg Kunes and Kunes Country Auto, Jean and Kent Kruzan of Kruzan Construction, Ron Amann of R.J. Amann Builders, Advantage Alarm, P.J. Electric, Ziegler Charitable Foundation, Steven Slawkin/owner Hemingway's Port of Call Restaurant, Keith Nissen and Master Services, Delavan Service League, St. Joseph's Parish members, the Rev. John Baumgartner and the Human Concerns Committee, food pantry volunteers, Paper Dolls, Dennis and Christine Haak, Martin O'Brien, Hogan's Goat, Flitcroft Septic Systems, Mary Ellen Last, Ellen Flanagan, Phillip and Mary Koss, James and Rita Barron, Gerald and Marilyn Wilkin.