Formerly needy join group to help others

by Brent Watters

as published in the Daily Southtown, Christmas 1998

Georgene Mitchell recently received a heart-wrenching call from a friend who told

 her of a woman she knew whose husband is dying and whose family is in need of help.

Besides not being able to afford Christmas gifts for her children, the woman was

even more concerned about not being able to afford dress clothes for her children to

wear to their father's imminent funeral, the friend told Mitchell.

Mitchell said she frequently receives such distressing calls, and said she never

ceases to get emotional when she hears about a family in need.

"When I heard about the woman's situation and that her husband might die around

 Christmas," Mitchell said, pausing, "well, it's one of those things that you hear and

 you can't help but to weep."

Mitchell is founder of An Angel's Touch, a Blue Island-based group that provides 

clothing, food, and help to families in need throughout the year, especially during 

the holiday season. What makes this situation unique is that these volunteers who 

are part of An Angel's Touch at one point or another, fell into financial despair 

themselves.

Blue Island resident Judy Coyle and her family were among the first families 

helped by the group after it formed in 1991.

"There are not many organizations like this one that have members who truly 

understand the hardships a family can face. They really helped us during a 

rough time," Coyle said.

Coyle's husband had been laid off from his job. Shortly after getting another 

job, he because seriously ill and had to be hospitalized.

"He had to have surgery, and the hospital bills nearly wiped us out. We were 

already living paycheck to paycheck like many other working-class families," Coyle said.

"It was the end of October, and we tried to go to the churches to get food on the table, 

but the donation lists were already full," Coyle said.

Through a mutual friend, Mitchell heard about the Coyles' hardships. That's when 

members of an Angel's Touch stepped in, Coyle said.

"One day our doorbell rang. I opened the door and all these people carrying boxes 

rushed in the house and rushed right back out," Coyle said.

The best thing about the group, Mitchell said, is that its volunteers rush into 

a house with donations and leave quickly before the family has time to say no.

"There are a lot of people who end up in tight situations and are too proud to ask for

help. But we get by the pride issue by rushing in and getting out," Mitchell said.

The members of the group had delivered boxes of clothes, toys and food to the Coyles.

Since pulling themselves out of their financial rut, Coyle and her husband have 

been dedicated members of An Angel's Touch.

Even Coyle's children are playing a big role in helping the group.

"MY son got his Boy Scout group.. and my daughter got her Brownie troup....involved. 

They have played a key role in picking up our donated items," Coyle said.

Mitchell's story is not much different from Coyle's.

In 1990, her husband had lost his job and one of her two boys had fallen ill.

Like Coyle, it was also during the month of October that the Mitchells fell into 

dire financial straits and were unable to find assistance from anyone except 

for close family and friends.

The Mitchells had vowed that if they made it through that Christmas they would 

help other families who had fallen into the same situation, Mitchell said.

Using donations from relatives and friends, Mitchell and her family were able to 

survive until her husband got more work.

Once back on their feet, Mitchell began soliciting donations from friends and relatives 

to form An Angel's Touch. Since 1991, the group has grown from a handful of 

members to a core group of more than 35 volunteers. Last year, the group provided 

assistance to more than 35 families.

The group currently has 13 families on its delivery list. That number is expected

to triple within the next few weeks. Mitchell said.

Though most of the families the group helps live in Blue Island, An Angel's 

Touch does not hesitate to help any family in the Southland that is in need of assistance.

"We'll be helping a family in Joliet this year. It's the farthest we've gone but we're 

not going to turn our backs to anyone," Coyle said.

The families are referred to the group mainly though word of mouth.

The group supplies families with items that have been donated by local residents and 

businesses. Financial contributions made to the group are used to buy items for families

 in need.

"Truly the best part of Christmas is the giving, and a lot of people have found that 

to be true by helping out," Mitchell said.

To make donations to An Angel's Touch, volunteer with the group or refer a family

for assistance, Call Mitchell at (773) 254-3232. (ext. 312)

Donations also can be mailed to Mitchell at 3636 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago, IL 60632