When People in Need, Inc. initially embarked on its major capital campaign for a new building on Johnson Road, volunteers didn’t know the economy was in a downward spiral. Although these souring conditions continue, the campaign volunteers intend to complete the $850,000 fundraising goal.

So far, PIN, a Delaware-located private, non-profit social services agency that provides emergency assistance to Delaware County residents, has raised $315,000 — less than half of its goal, campaign cabinet co-chairwoman Sherry Barbosky said.

Although the fundraising process is proceeding slower than originally hoped, Barbosky said she is confident the goal will be met.

The “Campaign for Possibilities” began more than a year ago with a quiet fundraising period that went public in May during a kick-off event held at the new facility on 138 Johnson Drive. Several campaign committees have been working to include all segments of Delaware County in the fundraising push, campaign cabinet co-chairman Jack Hilborn said.

PIN will move into its new facility this year. However, Hilborn reminds residents that the capital campaign is ongoing. Committee members will continue to call on the public for donations, to write letters and to raise awareness through community events.

Mailers have been sent to every Delaware County household asking each for a $27.42 donation. If half of the households gave that amount, the funding goal would be met, community campaign co-chairwoman Dolores Smith said. Although all households will not be able to donate $27.42, Smith said she hopes residents will read and consider the campaign information and return the mailer with whatever amount is possible, whether it’s $24,000 or $5. Those interested in donating also have the option to pledge over a three-year period.

PIN volunteers already have been part of several community festivals, including the Delaware Arts Festival and Powell Festival. Information will also be distributed at the Ashley Corn Show set July 30-Aug. 1 and Delaware’s First Friday on Sept. 4 in the city’s downtown.

Hilborn was mum on details, but said a signature event is planned next spring as a culmination of the campaign.

Community campaign co-chairman Steve Lutz said many people are still providing canned food to the organization. Now, the community will have to work to reach in their other pocket to assist with the capital campaign for the new facility at the same time, Lutz said.

Jim Bartha, community campaign co-chairman, said the new location, a 1.9 acre, 7,200-square-foot single-level building, will provide more efficiency. The food unloading process at PIN’s current location at 274 N. Sandusky St. is extremely cumbersome with one can of food traveling up at least one set of stairs from the basement, if not two sets of stairs, Bartha said.

The new facility will allow for 12 deliveries (currently, there are five) a year from the Mid-Ohio Food Bank, Barbosky added. Plus, the acreage will provide room to expand in the future.

Delaware County residents can keep track of how much money has been raised for the campaign by checking out the shovel banner stationed on the side of the vacant Bianchi’s building (6 S. Sandusky St.) next to the plaza at the corner of East William and Sandusky streets. It will hang for three months with the hope that the shovel will be filled at the end, committee members said.

Local grocery store Buehler’s is also helping raise awareness with posters and information stationed at registers. Shoppers have the opportunity to make a $1, $3 or $5 donation when purchasing groceries, Hilborn said.

PIN began as a food pantry in the Asbury United Methodist Church in 1980 and has expanded to offers emergency services assistance and the Holiday Clearing House.

mmackey@delgazette.com

Next page