KIRKWOOD PROVIDES ASSISTANCE
TO THOSE IN NEED
Kirkwood members have established the Good Samaritan Fund. Throughout the year generous donations provide gifts to this fund which is used strictly to help persons in need. The Pastor has direct oversight of these funds and all gifts and records are kept in strictest confidentiality. The distribution of these funds is handled in one of two ways.
The needs of members are assessed and determined by the Pastor.
It is our policy to refer all non-church members who request assistance to Manatee Religious Services (MRS). They provide a clearing house and assess need of clients for any and all churches in Manatee County. They work with Kirkwood and other churches and make recommendations.
For example, if someone is about to be evicted and owes $450 in rent, the staff at MRS will investigate the client and the situation carefully. If the need is legitimate, they may call to see how much of the $450 Kirkwood might be able to help with. They often call two or three churches and combine funds to provide for that need. No checks are written to a client but rather to FPL, the landlord, the water department, etc. The Pastor and the Administrator then will cut a check and send a letter along with the check informing them that this is an assistance provided by the Good Samaritan Fund of Kirkwood Presbyterian Church and Manatee Religious Services, and send a copy of the letter as well to the client, so they know how the need was met.
