Mountain churches' assistance program in second year

The Mountain Community Churches Assistance Program has completed a successful first year and is ready to help again.

Funded by residents for residents of the Red Feather Lakes area, the program assists with utilities and other emergency needs. "The goal of MCCAP is to help our neighbors over the hump," said Pastor Kerry Gibson of Morning Star Church, a member of the committee.

In the fall of 2005, Morning Star Church and Chapel in the Pines united with Fox Acres Country Club, Red Feather Medical Clinic and other local businesses to create MCCAP. Its initial focus was to provide energy assistance as heating costs climbed beyond many of the residents' means.

This winter, the group plans to continue assisting with home heating needs, including electric, propane and wood expenses. The program has also expanded to assist with medical situations not covered by insurance or for those without coverage. The MCCAP structure is flexible enough to accommodate the unique needs of the Red Feather Lakes area, such as transportation costs to doctor appointments or work. Food for needy families can also be provided. Funds are paid directly to the supplier, assuring that donations are being used effectively.

During the first year, 10 local families received wood for home heating. Assistance on utility bills went to eight families, and medical assistance was provided to three individuals. Six more families have already received assistance this fall. "We are able to act without delay when a need is identified," said group president Larry Valenta.

MCCAP assistance is available to all Red Feather Lakes, Crystal Lakes and Glacier View residents. Those who need help may contact either Morning Star Church or Chapel in the Pines. All requests are confidential and are quickly addressed without mounds of paperwork. If long-term assistance is needed, help will be offered to explore more permanent solutions through county and state programs. The committee is currently investigating options to provide materials or equipment to aid those in need to become more financially independent.

Donations have come from many local sources, including a generous contribution by Lone Pine Realty. A portion of Lone Pine's real estate sales dollars are placed in a fund that is distributed to a charity of the real estate company's choosing. Fox Acres members also have generously funded the program, as have several community businesses and residents.

Tom Viola, a member of the Fox Acres Community Committee, pointed out that MCCAP provides an avenue for charity dollars to stay in the community. Contributors can witness their generosity in action as neighbors are helped through financially difficult times. All of the donated dollars are channeled to residents' needs. No money is used for administering the program.

MCCAP's goals will require continued community donations. Funds are needed to keep the existing programs in operation and to expand the scope of the program. To assist MCCAP, donations may be sent or presented to either church. Checks should note that the donation is for MCCAP. All contributions are tax deductible.

Mailing addresses and phone numbers are Morning Star Church, P.O. Box 530, Red Feather Lakes, CO 80545, phone 881-2640; Chapel in the Pines, P.O. Box 45, Red Feather Lakes, CO 80545, phone 881-3508.