Interfaith Human Services Kicks Off ‘Wishing Well’ Campaign

For people who are unable to pay rent, heat their homes, or feed their families, Interfaith Human Services can provide valuable assistance.

For 47 years, IHS has provided emergency help and support across the county to those desperately in need.

To be able to provide such community services, IHS must apply for grants and raise funds throughout the year.

Their biggest fundraiser, the Wishing Well Campaign, began on Friday, Nov. 27, and continues through Tuesday, Dec. 22.

Donations to the Wishing Well Campaign can be made at Meyer Dairy from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day, as well as The Corner Room on Saturdays, and the Benner Pike Wal-Mart on Sundays. Other businesses around the county, including Appalachian Outdoors and Victory Sports Health & Fitness, will have smaller Wishing Wells for donations available during business hours. 

Corporate sponsors, such as Grove Printing and Nittany Property Management, have pledged to match donations made over the coming weekends, doubling the funds raised by community members. 
This year’s fundraising goal is $25,000.

IHS is comprised of 32 congregations from around Centre County, including Congregation Brit Shalom and the University Mennonite Church. Members from participating congregations and other service groups will take turns ringing bells outside of the Wishing Wells.

Sylvia Neely, interim director of IHS, wants to see widespread involvement from across the Centre County.

“People from around the community are welcome to ring the bells,” Neely said. “Anyone can absolutely volunteer.”

For more information or to donate to Interfaith Human Services, visit the IHS website. To volunteer for the Wishing Well Campaign, call (814) 234-7731.