Letter: Project Help needs help

Editor, Daily News:

In response to Monday's article, "Charitable giving nears record level," I would like to acknowledge all those who also give their time and skills by volunteering in our community.

As the new hotline coordinator for Project Help Inc., I am in awe — specifically, at the tremendous impact our volunteers have every day and night by working our 24-hour Crisis and Referral Hotline. These individuals contribute in ways that money cannot replace.

Regardless of the hour or day, our volunteers field domestic violence, rape, suicide, crime and depression-related calls. By listening to and empowering callers, they help victims start on their road to healing. It takes a special kind of person to embrace those responsibilities, and I feel very blessed to work with the volunteers who are currently involved with our organization.

That being said, we at Project Help are experiencing a volunteer crisis and are in need of additional volunteers to join our ranks. We provide all the necessary training and have even developed a program that allows volunteers to work from their own homes.

For more information, please contact me at Project Help, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., (239) 649-1404.

Monday's article claimed that as a nation "when there is a very significant need, when people are clearly aware of that need, they respond." I would like to challenge Naples and the rest of Collier County to follow this model.

Please donate the greatest gift that you have — your hearts and your time.

Maria T. LaRocco, Hotline coordinator, Project Help Inc.