An annual heartfelt program has launched at the Pettis County Administrator's Office and is already receiving donations for its clients.
Public Administrator Charli Ackerman launches the Helping Hearts program each February to coincide with Valentine's Day and American Heart Month. Donations go toward her 150 clients who may need burial plans, medication, groceries, rent payments or deposits, and, as Ackerman said, "other necessities of life."
On Monday, Feb. 5, three members of Church Women United, President Tammie Stultz, Vice President Marilyn Grechus and Public Relations Officer Judi Ebers, presented a donation to Ackerman for the Helping Hearts Program.
Stultz said CWU decided to donate because Ebers brought the idea to the group's last meeting.
"Because we have our meetings at the end of the month, we decided to chip in this time for a small amount," she noted. "But she (Ackerman) will receive more money from us later on because we'll be giving again."
Grechus added that the group donates to an organization every month.
"And it was brought up, actually, at the end of last year, suggestions for different organizations that we have not donated to in the past," she said. "And we thought, well, February is her month, so we would do that. We meet at the end of the month, so we'll do our collection from the members at the end of the month."
Grechus said the donation on Monday was from the CWU treasury.
Ebers added Helping Hearts is a "strong outreach" for Pettis County and the community.
"It shows love — February is the love month," she noted. "Where your heart is open to helping people. And Charli has certainly made us all aware in this community of the need that is there that often goes unnoticed. So, we're just happy to be a part of it."
Ackerman said the donations mean much to her and her 150 clients.
"It's overwhelming sometimes, to me, the community and the organizations that always step up and want to give," she noted. "They all know these folks that I take care of have very little money.
"So, it really just goes a long way to help for a lot of incidentals," she continued. "And necessities that these folks need. And sometimes, you know, a little extra birthday money when they have a birthday. I'm always so very grateful to the whole community."
She added it's "heartwarming" to see the community's generosity. People who donate can place a heart on the Helping Hearts wall in memory or in honor of a loved one.
Those who wish to donate to the Public Administrator's Helping Hearts project can give in honor or memory of a loved one. Donations may either be brought into the Pettis County Courthouse or mailed to Pettis County Administrator Charli Ackerman, 415 S. Ohio Ave. Suite 104, Sedalia, Mo. 65301.
For more information, call the Public Administrator's Office at 660-826-5000 ext. 434 or 435.
Faith Bemiss-McKinney can be reached at 660-530-0289.
