Needy Fund: Grandfather saddled with medical debt gets help with food – News – capecodtimes.com

Every year we hear from more grandparents raising grandchildren. One 67-year-old grandfather called for help recently with food.

He had taken in his grandson, still in diapers. The grandfather was dealing with major health issues himself. A year earlier he had been in the intensive care unit for two weeks.

His wife was unable to work. She had had two surgeries and was applying for disability.

On top of mounting medical debt, he had to replace a car that was old and in constant need of repair.

The thing he wanted most was fresh, heart-healthy food that couldn’t be found at a food pantry.

The Needy Fund provided a food voucher to Stop & Shop.

Many human service agencies offer assistance to those in need, but the Cape Cod Times Needy Fund has been helping with a host of immediate, short-term emergencies such as food, rent, medical costs and other basic expenses since 1936.

No cash is given to Needy Fund recipients.

Instead, the agency pays vendors through a voucher program. The case described above was provided by the Needy Fund on condition of anonymity.

Donations, which are tax deductible, may be made at needyfund.org.

Or, checks may be made payable to the Cape Cod Times Needy Fund and mailed to Cape Cod Times Needy Fund, P.O. Box 36, Hyannis, MA 02601 or dropped off at the Times offices, 319 Main St. in Hyannis.

Those needing assistance may contact the Needy Fund at 508-778-5661 or 800-422-1446.

Questions may be emailed to [email protected]. The Needy Fund is also on Facebook at facebook.com/NeedyFund or on Twitter: @NeedyFund.