United Way assisting Mingo Social Services

(Editor's note: This is the third in a series of stories highlighting some of the area agencies assisted by the United Way of Jefferson County. Each of the agencies featured on Mondays receive aid from the United Way's 2010 Live United campaign.)

MINGO JUNCTION - They provide gasoline to those who cannot afford to buy it, assist area residents in paying their utility bills when times are difficult and remember those less fortunate during special times throughout the year. Moreover, they distribute groceries to families who might otherwise not have anything on their kitchen tables.

The volunteers with Mingo Social Services continuously ask what they can do to help others.

The agency's director, Sophie Schoolcraft, has been helping individuals in the village and surrounding areas for more than 16 years. But she noted she would not be able to do all she has without the backing of the United Way of Jefferson County.

"Most of the money we have is allocated from the United Way," Schoolcraft stated. "They have been very generous to me, which is why I volunteer to raise money for them in return."

The remainder of the money Mingo Social Services receives is donated by local residents.

Some of the services the agency provides to more than 200 families throughout the village, Brilliant, Rayland, Smithfield and some living on state Route 151 include helping to pay utility bills, covering pharmaceutical costs, assuming some of the responsibility for medical bills and distributing gasoline cards or gift cards for groceries at local stores.

When times get tough, as is the case today, the Mingo agency does its best to help wherever and whenever possible, according to Schoolcraft.

"I'm here from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day to help people in need," Schoolcraft noted. She said she can not say enough about the United Way. "Without them, there are people who would not have their utilities paid, receive help with their medical bills or be able to have food to eat.

"We all work together to help the community," she added.

Prior to the start of Mingo Social Services in the 1980s, the village was helped through an organization known as the Community Chest, started in the 1930s, Schoolcraft explained. At that time residents who experienced a house fire were aided or families received assistance through the Christmas basket program.

Today, that assistance has grown to the extent that it is there for the community year-round.

Those who seek help from Mingo Social Services must complete an application showing their monthly income, and qualifying families receive the assistance they need the most.

United Way Executive Director Nancy Grimsaid, "it is a privilege to work with a front-line agency which truly makes a difference in the community at a time when more people need assistance."

Grim stated there has been an increase in the number of people who need help compared to years past, and she believes it is "nice to have program directors such as (Schoolcraft) in place to meet the needs in such an efficient way."

Schoolcraft voiced she has to thank the volunteers who work for her as well, because she would not be able to do all she does without their help.

Mingo Social Services is just one of 19 agencies that obtain funding from the United Way annually. The United Way's 2010 Live United campaign has a goal of $430,000.

Donations to the United Way can be sent to 501 Washington St., Steubenville, OH 43952. To reach the United Way, call (740) 284-9000; send a fax to (740) 283-2103; or go to www.unitedway-jc.org.

Donations to Mingo Social Services can be sent to Schoolcraft at the Municipal Building at 501 Commercial St., Mingo Junction, OH 43938; or by calling (740) 535-9161.

(Ghrist can be contacted at jstenger@heraldstaronline.com.)