"Assisting families and individuals of Delaware County in a collaborative effort by providing personal emergency assistance with dignity and respect in their time of need"
People In Need Director Crowley seeks $129K haircut
Kevin Crowley needs a haircut. But he can’t get one without Delaware County’s help.
Crowley, People In Need’s executive director, told the Gazette in May 2009 that he would not cut his hair until the mortgage on the social service agency’s new building was paid off, which is possible by capital campaign donations from local individuals and businesses.
Now, about a year and a half later, Crowley can pull his hair back into a ponytail, and it is driving Crowley, his staff and his wife crazy.
Although the capital campaign, which allowed PIN to move into its larger Johnson Drive location, has been slow-going, nearly three-fourths of the funds have been raised. The campaign has just crossed over the $625,000 mark, but Crowley knows the current remaining balance by heart: $129,740.86.
The money is coming in, from some $1 or $2 at a time; these donations are very meaningful to Crowley, he said. Many times a donor will include an apology note for not being able to donate more.
“The people doing the most have the least,” Crowley said.
A mailer went out recently as part of the campaign that bears a picture of Crowley’s lovely locks, which has become sort of a hairy issue for him. Although his hair is long enough to pull back, pieces of hair will fall out of the ponytail and will blow across his face.
Being the executive director at the well-known Delaware County social service agency, Crowley recently had to film a video clip, all with his long-flowing hair, which might look nice on a younger man, but not a middle-aged one, he said.
The economy has affected the capital campaign, but a down economy is when people need help the most, Crowley said. PIN’s new building nearly tripled in size, which has allowed the organization to order in bulk from the Mid-Ohio Food Pantry.
In PIN’s old building on South Franklin Street, only 660 pounds of produce could be distributed due to space limitations. At the new building, 22,859 pounds (or about 12 tons) of produce has been distributed through the end of July, Crowley said.
Baked goods, which would sporadically come in shopping carts at PIN’s old site, also have a space at the new facility. Crowley said that 11,700 pounds (or nearly 6 tons) of baked goods have been dispersed through the end of July.
PIN’s food pantry is just one of the services to assist families and individuals in their time of need; other services include emergency services, housing and medical assistance, the Holiday Clearing House and advocacy and outreach.
Once the mortgage is retired, Crowley will visit his favorite salon: Kathy’s Westside Klippers in Delaware.
Donations can be sent to People In Need, Inc., P.O. Box 962, Delaware, OH 43015. A donation can also be accepted by phone by calling 740-363-6284, ext. 100.
