Help Them to Hope was officially dissolved last week as a non-profit organization. After 65 years helping Lake County’s needy, the volunteer body started by The News-Sun has faded into area history.
While the end of the annual holiday-time fund drive was announced last Thanksgiving, state and federal laws require action to disband tax-exempt charities. That’s why the Hope Fund’s board of directors met at the Waukegan Park District’s Jack Benny Center for the Performing Arts in Bowen Park to vote to cease operations.
Banker boxes full of historical documents, paperwork and archives from the organization, which officially kicked off with an idea of News-Sun pressmen in 1959, will be transferred to the Waukegan Historical Society, President Richard Ribando said after disbanding the Help Them to Hope. That is appropriate considering the Hope Fund is part of the city’s long and storied history.
Help Them to Hope logo– Original Credit: HANDOUT
Founded 65 years ago, close to $3 million was raised through donations to Help Them to Hope from thousands upon thousands of Lake Countians and News-Sun readers over the decades, and distributed to county-based groups supporting those in need. The non-profit was way ahead of folks like President Ronald Reagan, who pointed out during his eight-year term in office: “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”
Since its founding, that’s what Help Them to Hope accomplished. It’s a long way from 1959 and a lot of changes in the county, state and nation. Especially in the newspaper industry, and the way nonprofits operate as younger volunteers are few and far between.
In December 1959, when News-Sun pressmen approached management asking if the newspaper would join in helping raise money for those down on their luck, it was a month away from the dawn of a new decade. The Sixties would bring a new set of adjustments.
In 1959, Americans continued to suffer from the effects of the Eisenhower Recession of 1958, the worst economic downturn since the end of World War II until the Nixon Recession of 1973. A deep drop in auto sales and lack of new housing construction led to a national unemployment figure of 6%.
The minimum wage was $1. President Dwight Eisenhower was out of the U.S. for most of December as he launched a “mission of peace and goodwill,” taking him 22,000 miles and to 11 countries on three continents, from Greece to Tunisia to Pakistan.
Even in winter, fans of the “Go-Go” Chicago White Sox, who called old Comiskey Park home, were still stunned by the team’s loss, 4-2 games, to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1959 World Series.
The nation was still getting over two scandals: The TV quiz show scandal, where it was revealed contestants were given answers to questions ahead of time; and a point-shaving scandal discovered during college basketball games which at the time were more popular than National Basketball Association contests.
On Dec. 27, Quarterback Johnny Unitas led the Baltimore Colts to a 31-16 victory over the New York Giants to win the championship of the National Football League. It was the same year the American Football League was founded.
Syracuse University in New York State, led by future Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis, was named The Associated Press collegiate football national champion after going undefeated (10-0) during the season.
In Chicago, the improvisational troupe Second City was founded in 1959 at 1842 N. Wells St. It continues to flourish close to its original location.
Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro was firmly ensconced in Havana after the overthrow of the U.S.-backed dictator, Fulgencio Batista, in the island nation 90 miles from Florida. Castro then became another Cuban dictator and stayed in power until 2008, when he retired.
During that ‘50s era, Americans helped out their neighbors, volunteering in various ways. In a small measure, that’s what board members of Help Them to Hope say they helped accomplish through 65 years of annual drives and donation support.
All done through non-paid volunteers. None of them took a salary, unlike many executives heading nonprofits today who are professional fundraisers and managers.
There had been some Hope Fund money donated during the 2023-24 drive remaining in reserve for incidentals incurred with the dissolution of the organization. Distribution of the $37,300 raised in the last 2023-24 holiday drive had been given out earlier this year to seven social-service agencies which help less-fortunate Lake County residents. The leftover funds, board members voted, will be split among the seven agencies, partners with Help Them to Hope over the years.
Which is a fitting end after 65 years. Help Them to Hope may be gone, but need is a constant, especially during the holiday season. As the late poet and author Maya Angelou said: “I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”
Charles Selle is a former News-Sun reporter, political editor and editor.
sellenews@gmail.com
Twitter: @sellenews
