Ennis Daily News Story: In Loving Hands
12/18/2007
Hands and hearts unite again for Bruce Lattimer’s camera to raise money for a worthy cause.
Helping Hands of Ennis’ second annual calendar of Lattimer’s photos of local community volunteers is now on sale at several locations around town, and the images are as resonant as the 2006 debut of the charity’s original fundraising concept.
“Again this year, we have the opportunity to meet several of Ennis’ own residents that give of themselves to make Ennis the wonderful place we call home,” said Helping Hands Board President Katherine Jones. “It has been my privilege to meet with and learn of the gifts of time, knowledge and resources these people contribute throughout the year.”
The photos of the more than 20 local volunteers and benefactors who posed as models for the project are striking, each masterful shot melding their hands with the interests and commitments of their hearts: Jan Glaspy of ACROSS wielding a paintbrush, Sandy Anderson of the Ennis Garden Club and Bluebonnet Trails clasping the state and city flower, Charlie Mae Presley holding tight to Susie, the dog that accompanies her on her visits to comfort area patients, the combined hands of Helping Hands volunteers themselves packing the food that nourishes those in need.
Inspired in part by an SPCA promotional idea, Jones thought a calendar showcasing the hands of those who give the most to Helping Hands was the ticket. Last year’s calendar was a hit and this year’s promises to be again.
All proceeds for the sale of the 2008 calendars directly benefit local families in need through the Helping Hands’ food pantry and utility, rent and clothing outreaches.
Jones said Helping Hands of Ennis actually serves more than just city residents, meeting the needs of people in Palmer, Garrett and Ferris.
“We have a dedicated, long-tenured staff, and between January and November we serve over 1,500 area families,” Jones said, adding that she hoped the popularity of the calendar will continue to spread the word about Helping Hands.
“One thing I want people to know is we are primarily a crisis intervention agency,” Jones said. “Those we help aren’t people who don’t have a job and are sitting around waiting for hand-outs.” She said most recipients of aid are facing emergency financial situations, perhaps experiencing layoffs or other temporary setbacks, and are in genuine need of support.
Models for the 2008 “Hands that Help Ennis” calendar include: Rev. James Derrough and Shirley Watson, Pat and Randy Wemelt, Tommy and Kristi Copeland, the members of the Ennis High School Student Council, Harriett Adams and her dog “Josephine,” the staff of Ennis Regional Medical Center, the Keever family, Charlie Mae Presley and her dog “Susie,” the staff and volunteers of Helping Hands of Ennis, Sylvia Bulot, Bryce and Sandy Anderson and Jan Glaspy.
“This year’s calendar spans generations of community involvement,” wrote Jones in her 2008 introduction, printed on the publication’s back cover. “It represents the spirit of giving passed down through families and from business leaders to our young people. I love seeing the hands weathered from experience along with those that are still young, yet all are reaching out for the future of Ennis.”
Calendars are going on sale this week at the following Ennis locations: Interior Ideas, La Galleria, Card & Party Factory, Pack N Mail and Prosperity Bank. Other locations may be added. The 2008 calendars cost $15.
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