Press Release:
The air is crisp, the trees are bare, and there is an anticipation of the season of thanks, peace, and joy all around. With this change of season, it is once again time for the “Quiet Fund’s” gentle reminder. The Twenty-five Neediest Children’s Fund, Inc. is once again reaching out to our community for compassion and financial support as we continue to help children in the Batavia City Schools.
The Twenty-five Neediest Children’s Fund, Inc., was begun during the Great Depression. It was the aspiration of the school physician at the time, Dr. Dexter Pierce, to establish a fund that would help the children of the Batavia City School District when a need arose that was greater than what their parents could manage. The initial problem was that many children needed to have their tonsils removed. The physicians involved graciously waived their fee, but the surgery involved an overnight stay which cost families $7.50 per night. For many, the cost of the overnight stay was too much for
their families. Thus, the Twenty-five Neediest Children’s Fund, Inc. was created. Now, we continue solely for the same purpose as was identified in 1933.To assist those who “fall between the cracks”; the working poor; and those who just have no other means to provide what their child needs. The Twenty-five Neediest Children’s Fund, Inc. assists with medical care, dental care, prescription drugs, mental health care, clothing, coats, shoes, sneakers, eye exams and glasses, counseling, beds, backpacks, requirements for BOCES classes (cosmetology kits and steel toed work boots), fees for AP classes, and fees for GCC courses, and other educational needs and educational toys.
As students’ needs are identified by teachers, their school nurse, school counselors, or school social workers, the concerns are conveyed to Nancy Haitz, R.N., C.P.N.P, Batavia City School District’s Office of the Coordinator of Health Services.
Mrs. Haitz then contacts child’s parents, and if it is determined that they are in need of
assistance, the Quiet Fund steps in to help. The parents select what care is to be provided, and by whom, in order to provide a remedy. The Twenty-five Neediest Fund simply pays the bills without red tape or publicity. The fund committee remains unaware of the identity of the child or parent so as to preserve the dignity of the family. For the past ninety years our fund has helped thousands and thousands of students. We feel fortunate that we have never turned away a student who was in need, nor have we ever run out of funds.The Twenty-five Neediest Fund has been nicknamed the “Quiet Fund” or the “Quiet Charity” as we only make one annual appeal at the Holiday Season. Furthermore, we seek no public acknowledgement or fanfare for the work which is done for the children of the Batavia City School District. Yet we have found that people of this good community, and beyond, must feel as we do. For they remember and contribute to help the students. We are ever grateful for all of you who contribute primarily during the holiday season, but we are also blessed with gifts throughout the year.
A significant feature of the Quiet Fund is that all donations are turned into benefits. We are proud to act as a true charity without any administrative costs! All funds collected by the Quiet Fund are used to assist the children. Every gift is a gift of love and is an affirmation that no child should go without.
Anyone interested in contributing to the Quiet Fund may make their check payable to the Twenty-five Neediest Children’s Fund, Inc. to be sent to Nann K. Zorn, 12 River Street, Batavia, NY 14020. To assist a child, and their parent, in this way is a wonderful and immeasurable gift. On behalf of the children, and their parents, helped by your generosity and gifts of love, we extend to you a most sincere thank you and warm holiday wishes.
The Twenty-five Neediest Fund Committee,
Nancy Arras,
Benjamin J. Bonarigo Jr., Esq.,
Nancy Haitz,
Sara Zorn Schroeder,
Virginia Tiede,
Nann K. Zorn
