Ferguson renews its commitment to Daily Press Holiday Fund

As the holidays approach each year, not everyone can afford to be merry. One in four Peninsula area children live in poverty and nearly half live in financially-stressed homes. This means the joy of the holiday season is often a time of tension and worry.

It is the mission of Ferguson Cares to strengthen the community and invest in the well-being of families. As part of that mission, Ferguson has partnered with The Daily Press for the sixth straight year to raise money during the holidays to help families and children in need. Ferguson contributed $50,000 and will match 50 percent of all donations to select non-profits.

“There are many critical needs in our community, but perhaps none more important than helping children and families,” explained Melissa Hazelwood, Ferguson Cares Manager. “Since its inception, almost 90 years ago, the fund has provided emergency assistance during the holidays and Ferguson is proud to renew its partnership with the Daily Press.”

“I am pleased to announce our Daily Press-Ferguson Holiday Fund will continue for another year. We are grateful to Ferguson for continuing its 50 percent match of up to $50,000 in subscriber donations to the fund,” commented Marisa Porto, Daily Press publisher and Editor-in-Chief. “We couldn’t do any of it without the Peninsula Community Foundation, which oversees the administration of the fund. Through the generosity of our readers, our Ferguson partners and the foundation, we are able to help ease the burden for our community’s neediest families during the holiday season.”

The Daily Press-Ferguson Holiday Fund was established in 1929 to help children of low-income households and jobless residents around Christmastime and was renamed in 2013 to incorporate Ferguson’s partnership. Through the generosity of the citizens and companies across the Greater Peninsula the fund has raised $719,385 in the past five years, including $300,000 from Ferguson.