TAP-IN's '30 for 30' Campaign Still Needs Your Help

“30 for 30” is at 24 and counting.

TAP-IN, the Barrington-based, all-volunteer nonprofit that provides food, clothing and other essentials to residents from Bristol to Riverside, has raised more than $24,000 since October for its 30th anniversary fundraising campaign.

But it still has more than $5,000 to go to reach its $30,000 goal by March 1, said Elizabeth Lanik, a spokesperson for the organization.

“To those who have contributed to the campaign,” Lanik said, “TAP-IN extends its most sincere thanks.

But the success of the “30 for 30” campaign is crucial to helping TAP-IN meet the needs of more than 5,500 households in the East Bay, she said.

The numbers show the reach of TAP-IN (Touch a Person In Need) last year.

“In 2013, TAP-IN served 16,445 individuals, of which 54 percent were adults, 36 percent were children, and 10 percent were seniors,” Lanik said. 

The 5,531 households served in 2013 was an increase of 319 over the number of households the organization served in 2012. 

“Clearly, TAP-IN’s client base continues to grow, and meeting its ever-increasing needs is a constant challenge,” Lanik said.

Because TAP-IN has no paid staff, all donations directly fund the services provided, including a food pantry, free clothing, toiletries, furniture and household items, she said.  TAP-IN also provides free transportation to medical appointments for its clients, as well as referrals to other resources in the East Bay.

In addition to its regular, ongoing services, TAP-IN gives out turkey dinners every year at Thanksgiving and food baskets for the holidays.   

This past November, Lanik said, TAP-IN provided more than 400 client families with a bag of Thanksgiving food and a Shaw’s gift card.  In December, it gave food and gifts to 127 adults, 83 adult households, and 180 families with children. 

“Without the support of the East Bay Community, we could not have made the holidays more enjoyable for many East Bay families,” Lanik said.

To find out more, to volunteer, or to donate online using PayPal, visit TAP-IN’s website at www.tapinri.com or call 401-247-1444.