Anne Phillips once told her son John that she wished she could win the lottery. When he asked if she needed money, she said, “No, I’d just like to have more to give away.”
John shared that memory with us, along with a story about a time his mother saw someone who needed help and did what she could.
While visiting her husband in the hospital, Anne noticed a young woman who was incarcerated and had only a hospital gown to wear. On her next visit, Anne brought her a complete outfit. When she told John about it, her explanation was simple. “John, she had no clothes.”
Anne saw a person who needed something she could give. She helped without judgment, and that same spirit lives on in the fund created in her memory.
How Anne’s Fund Helps Today
Established in 1998, Anne’s Fund helps women cover practical expenses as they look for work and build financial independence. Over the years, the fund has helped pay for things like shoes, scrubs, work clothes, and photo IDs. A pair of shoes or a replacement ID can make it possible to take the next step toward a job.
At Schuylkill Community Action, we talk with each woman about what she needs and how the fund can help. That conversation keeps each gift personal and true to the way Anne gave.
In his letter to recipients, John described the gift as a reminder that “one more person cares.”
Thank you to John and the Phillips family for continuing to support Anne’s Fund and for sharing these memories with us. We’re grateful to carry Anne’s kindness forward here in Schuylkill County.
If you’d like to give to Anne’s Fund or support another Schuylkill Community Action program, please visit our giving page.
