Interfaith Human Services Launches 2022 Wishing Well Campaign

Interfaith Human Services is launching its 2022 Wishing Well campaign this week to support programs that assist low-income Centre County residents.

For the third year in a row, the well is located at Meyer Dairy, 2390 S. Atherton St. in State College. There, Interfaith Human Services will collect contributions from Nov. 25 through Dec. 23. The well will accept cash donations and also features a code that, when scanned, will help patrons donate electronically, as well.

Contributions can also be made from home by visiting Interfaith Human Services’ digital well or by mail to IHS, 251 Easterly Parkway, Suite 200, State College PA, 16801.

Last year’s campaign raised more than $44,000, the organization said in a press release, comfortably surpassing the drive’s $40,000 goal.

This year, Interfaith Human Services’ board gave the fundraiser a boost by committing to matching the first $5,575 in donations made via the digital well or mail.

Funds raised through the Wishing Well campaign will help Interfaith Human Services fund Centre County programs that aid low-income residents and families. More than 18% of Centre Country residents live in poverty, according to the U.S. Census, and roughly 43% of county residents struggle to meet basic needs.

While Interfaith Human Services aims to support country residents in a variety of ways, the organization’s most notable programs include:

• The Financial Care Program, which works to help families achieve and maintain financial stability. Its two subsidiaries, the Money Management and Representative Payee programs, assist in preparing and paying bills, creating budgets, identifying financial needs and coordinating benefits and medical services.
• The Centre County Fuel Bank, which helps residents avoid heating emergencies from January to March by providing free heating oil, wood, coal and propane. However, it does not cover all heating costs or pay unpaid heating bills.
• Emergency Vehicle Repair for low-income drivers in need of assistance to repair a vehicle that is needed for their job.
• The Free Furniture and Appliance Recylcing Program, which offers furniture and major appliances to residents in need at no cost.

For more information on Interfaith Human Services’ Wishing Well campaign, visit the organization’s website.