The Deacons' Fund was established by a $4,000 bequest left to Community Presbyterian Church from the estate of member W. Russell Croasdale. The Fund is invested with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) foundation in their Balanced Growth Fund. Mr. Croasdale specified the Fund was "to assist the Board of Deacons in helping the needy of the church or in the community of Deerfield Beach."
The Fund, whose balance had almost doubled in value in recent years, has been used to help people who "fall through the cracks" of public assistance by providing aid for utility bills, medicines, and rent payments. It has also been used to purchase Care Notes, a publication on a variety of topics, which are available in the Narthex of the church for all members of Community Presbyterian to make use of as needed.
Because the Fund had been used intermittently, an appeal to the congregation was made by the Board of Deacons over the summer months for suggestions as to its use. Many ideas were offered, and many situations were brought to the attention of the Board of which the Board members were unaware. For this reason, the Deacons decided to donate $500 to the Fiddleworks, Inc. scholarship, and $500 to the Treasure box Project, Inc. Both organizations are non-profit Florida corporations, and are both administrated by members of our church. Peggy and Earl Everett, who teach violin lessons to children in and around Deerfield Beach, own and operate Fiddleworks, Inc. Carole Morton is the secretary for the Treasure box Project, a group that provides gift boxes filled with treasures donated and/or purchased for children in the Deerfield area who would otherwise receive no Christmas presents at all.
The Deacons' Fund has funds available for other needs. If you need financial assistance or know of someone or an organization that does, please bring it to the attention of your Deacon, or call the church office at 954.427.0222.