Message from Rockwall County Helping Hands President Jon Bailey on COVID-19

A message from Jon Bailey, Rockwall County Helping Hands President and CEO:

Dear Friends of Rockwall County Helping Hands,

As you already know, our nation is facing unprecedented times with the emergence of the COVID-19 virus outbreak. Not only is health at risk, but businesses large and small, as well as individuals and families, are beginning to feel the impact of this outbreak. While I’m confident this will pass over time, I’m concerned about the effects this will have on people and business in our community both short and long term. There are a lot of unknowns right now, but what I do know is Rockwall County always comes together in times of crisis.

The COVID-19 virus is already hurting Rockwall County families by impacting their incomes. With businesses having to cut back, and workers scrambling to find ways to make rent or pay for utilities and food, now is the time to stand in the gap. Even Rockwall Helping Hands is feeling the effects since fewer and fewer shoppers are visiting our Thrift and Boutique stores. This is a large piece of revenue we budget for in order to help families every single day. Through your faithful support, Rockwall County Helping Hands has, and will continue to, maintain the commitment to help these individuals and families.

Right now this need is getting greater and greater by the hour which is why I’m asking for your help. Rockwall Helping Hands budgets for assisting individuals and families who come upon a short-term crisis or need, as well as those families who fall below the federal poverty level, but it’s impossible to predict when something like this might occur. Please consider making a donation in order to make a difference in the lives of those effected during these unprecedented times.

I just spoke to a concerned father, Jacob, who makes his living as an Uber driver. He has already had to cancel 30 trips to the airport and does not know how he is going to meet this month’s bills. I also talked to a concerned single mother of 3, Tonia, whose hours have just been cut at a local restaurant where she waits tables. She’s not sure how she is going to pay for rent or food, as well as daycare now that schools are cancelled.

Again, please consider making a one-time or recurring donation so that you can help stand in the gap for those impacted by this outbreak. You can make your gift online at Rockwallhelpinghands.com or mail to P.O. Box 375, Rockwall, Texas 75087. No gift is to small and no gift is too large. At the end of the day, you are making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. You’ll help Rockwall families like Jacob and Tonia through this crisis and everyday counts.

Sincerely,

Jon Bailey
President & CEO
Rockwall County Helping Hands

Our print edition is delivered free to ~15,500 homes in Rockwall and Heath, TX.