Two grandparents, both lifelong caregivers, found themselves in an unexpected situation when they adopted their four grandchildren, expanding their household to six.
After winning a housing lottery in Falmouth, they faced a larger than expected utility bill due to their growing family and larger home. The cost of groceries for the family also exceeded their budget, and with the grandfather on Social Security and their income just above the limit for SNAP benefits, the grandparents struggled to make ends meet.
When a power outage spoiled all the food in their freezer, the $1,000 insurance deductible made recovery impossible. With nowhere else to turn, the grandmother sought help.
The Neighbors Fund stepped in, covering their electric bill to prevent shut-off and provided food vouchers to replenish groceries. This support gave them critical and immediate relief during a challenging time so they could focus on providing a stable and loving home for their grandchildren.
New brand logo as of 2024 for Cape Cod Times Neighbors Fund. Loaded 6.14.24. (Formerly Cape Cod Times Needy Fund)
How to donate to the Neighbors Fund
Donations, which are tax-deductible, may be made online at neighborsfund.org/cct
Checks can be made payable to:
The Cape Cod Times Neighbors FundP.O. Box 36Hyannis, MA 02601
How to get Neighbors Fund assistance
Those needing assistance may contact the Neighbors Fund at 508-778-5661 or 800-422-1446.
Questions can be emailed to info@neighborsfund.org. The Neighbors Fund is also on Facebook (facebook.com/Neighborsfund) and X (@Neighborsfund). Visit the site at neighborsfund.org.
Total Contributions to Date: $361,836.22
James R. Demetras Trust;$10,000
In honor of our grandsons- Mark,Thomas,Luke and Alexander-Love Nana.;$5,000
Cataumet Boats,Inc.;$3,500
Harwich United Methodist Church Thrift Shop;$3,000
Lee and Carol Tesconi;$2,500
Sherrie Cahoon;$2,000
Anne and John Oliver;$1,000
Donald Henderson;$1,000
Donald Nelson;$1,000
In loving memory of Deborah Ladner;$1,000
In memory of Sue Signorette Patton from Rich Patton;$1,000
Jason Stone;$1,000
Nu Psi Chapter,Sigma Phi Gamma International Sorority Members;$1,000
West Parish of Barnstable Outreach;$1,000
The Desmarais Family;$515
Lloyd Franke;$500
Martha McDonald;$500
Michael and Martha Farmer;$500
Peter and Joan Boyer;$500
Regina Mullen;$500
Rod and Margaret Sherman;$500
Sandra M. Dethlefsen;$500
In memory of B. Grover;$500
Anonymous;$500
Anonymous;$500
Anonymous;$500
In memory of Lisa Blickens;$400
Elisabeth Lessig;$350
Carolyn and Lynn Noble;$300
In loving memory of Larry Holmes from Kathy Holmes;$300
In memory of Bob Bradley from Nancy Bradley;$300
John J. and Elaine C. Cahill Family Fund;$300
Linda Lane;$257.50
Anonymous;$250
Dotty and Bob Kreisinger;$250
Ginny and Tom McCabe;$250
In memory of Kath and Maud Kirk;$250
In memory of Memie;$250
Jo-Anne and Anton Yereniuk;$250
Leonard and Patricia Schwarz;$250
Mary Jane and John Beach;$250
Neil and Nancy McLaughlin;$250
Ron and Laura Majka;$250
Suzanne Banister;$250
Teresa Freeman and Brian Blakeley;$250
William Robson;$250
Anonymous;$206
David and Penny Bergeson;$200
Earl and Joy Shipp;$200
Eleanor Quealey;$200
Eric Gordon and Carole Hebb;$200
In memory of Barbara J. Walsh from Skip and Pam Walsh;$200
In memory of Pamela Kielhack from Sarah and Jon Idman;$200
Jack and Patricia Mahoney;$200
Jan Snyder;$200
Jane and Robert Angell;$200
Michael and Susan Carey;$200
Robert and Suzanne Puzzo;$200
Stephen and Bettye Barcan;$200
William and Lorna Hathon;$200
Daniel and Jane Kunhardt;$51.50
In memory of Matthew Bookstein from Margaret and Stuart Bookstein;$100
Anonymous;$50
Mary Lenihan;$103
Anonymous;$51.50
Peter Wade;$100
Joseph Hetu;$30
Thomas Nee and Janice Delaney;$25
In memory of Don Campbell from Kathi Campbell;$100
Wayne and Janice Grenier;$50
John and Debora Foley;$25
Anonymous;$25
Charles Berthelson;$50
Anonymous;$100
Louis and Corinne Martinage;$50
Robert McGrady;$35
Carolyn and Jed Johnson;$50
Daniel and Frances Disenso;$50
Anonymous;$100
William and Louise O’Neil;$100
Anonymous;$51.50
Kathy and Brian Shanahan;$103
In memory of Anna Kontaxis;$100
John and Carolyn;$100
Anonymous;$50
James and Katherine Delehaunty;$100
In memory of my mom;$100
Barbara Zwicker;$30
Rachel Crosby;$50
Anonymous;$100
Jeanie Reilly;$25
Donald Deneen;$100
Amanda Murphy;$100
Kay Delaney;$50
Phyllis and Richard Nocella;$25
Anonymous;$50
In memory of Doreen Igoe from Megan;$25
Bruce and Helen Jillson;$100
In memory of Teresa Johnston from Paul B. Johnston;$50
In memory of Warren Geer and Lynn Mahoney;$100
Gary and Anne Woonteiler;$103
Robert J. Giannetti;$20
Bruce and Susan Benwood;$100
Robert and Kathy Corradi;$100
In memory of Jack Maroney;$100
In memory of Frances and Edward Arbaczawski;$150
Richard and Patricia Porcaro;$100
Carolyn Richardson;$50
In memory of Amy Campbell;$100
James and Ann Bradshaw;$50
Erica Waasdorp;$50
Karen Tucker;$50
Marjorie and Seamus Kelly;$25
Sandra Hicks;$25
Brian and Nancy Scheld;$100
John Carlin;$50
Nathan Cohen;$100
Anonymous;$75
Lee Kelley;$100
Paul and Marilyn;$100
Karen Lilly;$100
In memory of Johanna Fiske;$100
In memory of Susan Soults Jackett;$50
Tita White;$20
In memory of Maureen Taylor from Mary Kay Cordill;$100
Anonymous;$100
Mark Dignan;$100
In memory of Don and Marge Lundgren;$50
Joseph Cappadona;$50
Richard and Ellen Lawson;$100
Muriel Garrison;$25
In memory of Vincent Marinera;$51.50
Barry Kasven;$25
Laura Murphy;$25
Mary Montimurro;$100
Rosemarie Merino;$50
Gerard Pastner;$50
Matching gift for Katherine Soares;$100
Joseph G. Holland;$100
Eileen Kelley;$50
Carol and Bruce Barnard;$100
Dawn McNally;$25
Patricia Merriell;$25.75
Kenneth and Elizabeth Casson;$100
Anonymous;$103
Mary Florio-Ochoa;$25
Robert Denn;$100
Ms. Virginia Hallett;$50
Barbara Masonis;$50
Anonymous;$25
Cheryl Cooke;$100
Mr. James Pisciotta;$100
Joanna Montalbano;$100
Carol Cichy;$103
In memory of John F. Pena;$25
Anonymous;$100
Paul and Mary Lou April;$100
Maureen Quinn;$100
David Walsh;$50
West Yarmouth Congregational Church Missions;$150
William Abbott and Nancy Dube;$25
In memory of Dr. Joseph A. Ryan;$100
In memory of Joe DaLuz from Dolores-Always and Forever;$30
Gary Carter;$25
James Colleran;$100
Anonymous;$50
Dee and Ken Higgins;$50
In memory of Frank Hall;$50
Carmela Turco;$50
Anonymous;$15
Wilson Bartlett;$25
Anonymous;$100
John and Susan Negri;$100
T. Scott Collins;$25
Joseph and Donna Hannigan;$50
In memory of David Hudson of Northboro; MA;$100
Richard and Gwen Brown;$100
In memory of the Bardsley Family;$100
William and Elizabeth Barry;$50
Anonymous;$100
Peter and Karen Vergoni;$50
John Da Lomba;$50
William and Jennifer Sulyma;$100
Jill Zaterka;$100
Sherri Williams;$50
John and Lynn Cullity;$25
Dennis and Janice Wiehe;$50
In memory of Susie and Aeron Babcock from your loving family;$100
William and Carol Burchill;$25
Cynthia Cayton;$25
This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Neighbors Fund: Grandparents adopt grandchildren, receive help
