KOLD News 13Tucson organization receives one-million dollar gift

Tucson organization receives one-million dollar gift

By Dan Marries - email

TUCSON, AZ (KOLD) - It's the kind of gift that will keep on giving for years to come and help thousands of people down on their luck and those who just need a helping hand.

Interfaith Community Services has received a $1 million gift, the largest its ever received in its 25 year history.

Ed Jenkins, an ICS volunteer since 2003 and its board president, and his wife, Kay, have given ICS $250,000 to create the ICS Endowment and have agreed to match up to $750,000 in donations to the endowment from others.

"From the day I began as a volunteer at ICS," Ed said, "I have been very impressed with two things: the way ICS uses its many volunteers to leverage what it does so well, and the very practical way that it serves those in need."

ICS fills a gap in Pima County by helping seniors, disabled individuals and families in financial crisis in achieve stability and independence. With a mission like that it's easy to see why it takes more than 600 dedicated volunteers and support from 51 diverse faith communities and the community to make it all happen. 

ICS has dozens of programs including a food bank. It provides emergency financial assistance to those who may need help paying a utility bill or rent.

There's also the "Mobile Meals" program where volunteers deliver food to senior citizens or others who aren't able to cook for themselves.

The list goes on; transportation for medical appointments, shopping and other errands; home repairs; friendly calls and visits; and in-home health and safety assessments, referrals and advocacy. ICS provided nearly 50,000 services to more than 36,000 individuals last year.

With such a need in Pima County, this gift and endowment by the Jenkins will have a tremendous impact. Mr. Jenkins believes the endowment, where earnings from investment of the principal are used for services while the principal is retained, will help ICS meet the growing demand for help as tough economic times force many of its public funding sources to reduce their support.

 "Our ambitious goal is to reach $2.5 million for our 25^th anniversary year in cash gifts, pledges, and quantifiable planned gifts for the Endowment," said ICS Executive Director Bonnie Kampa.  "Over the past months, we have been quietly working on this campaign and are pleased to announce that we are already halfway towards this goal."

If you would like to know more about ICS, volunteer, or donate to help with the matching funds you can visit the ICS web page or call (520) 797-3029.

©2010 KOLD. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.