For Katie, the volunteers at Issaquah Community Services are a “godsend.”

“I have never had a volunteer that was not just exceptional,” she said. “They help you with so many things.”

Katie, 69, suffers from a progressive and debilitating disease that shuts down all of her bodily functions. Katie, who uses a wheelchair, is unable to work and lives on the disability and Social Security benefits that she receives. Sometimes, this doesn’t cover all of the expenses.

“When I’m in trouble, I’m in trouble,” Katie said. “But when I go to Issaquah Community Services, my troubles are over.”

Katie’s disability meant that she had to move to Issaquah from Oregon so that she could be closer to her family — a move that, with a disability, represented a huge cost. What’s more, this area is “a little more expensive than I would’ve wanted,” she said, and over the years she has struggled to fully make ends meet.

This is where Issaquah Community Services comes in. Whether it means helping out with the rent or the electric bill, the nonprofit steps up and fills in the gaps.

This year, the organization hopes to raise $100,000 through Merry Christmas Issaquah and Sammamish — the nonprofit’s sole fundraiser.

“It was a godsend for me because I just couldn’t make [rent],” Katie said. “The nicest thing about it is, they ask you what you need.”

Asking for help is never easy, but sometimes it can be extremely difficult — especially if it’s the first time a person has ever been put in that situation. However, Katie said that the volunteers at Issaquah Community Services always help to put a person at ease and immediately banish any feelings of shame or embarrassment a person might have.

“They don’t make you feel bad at all,” she said.

Katie has gotten a helping hand from Issaquah Community Services to pay her rent, her electricity and to buy a new car after the wheelchair lift in her own was damaged.

“I can’t say enough about how wonderful they are to work with; they’re the one-stop-shop,” she said. “They’re the kindest, friendliest people you’ll ever meet.”

Besides just helping out financially, the volunteers are there to lend a shoulder to those who might need a confidant or friend.

“Sometimes, we just need to vent,” Katie said. “We all need someone to talk to, and most of the disabled don’t have that.”

And this doesn’t just include talking with clients. When Katie had a problem with her landlord after moving here, Issaquah Community Services took over communication and advised her throughout the process.

“When you’re in a bind, Issaquah Community Services steps right up to the bat,” Katie said. “They don’t leave you hanging, they take care of it that day.”

“They don’t give up and they don’t quit and they really, really help.”

Merry Christmas Issaquah/ Sammamish: How to help

Issaquah Community Services is a nonprofit organization serving individuals and families in Issaquah and Sammamish since 1973. Their annual fundraiser, The Merry Christmas Issaquah/Sammamish Fund, continues through the holiday season. This is the organization’s largest source of funds that go 100 percent back into the community to help your neighbors.

Make a tax-deductible donation to Issaquah Community Services by sending donations to Issaquah Community Services, P.O. Box 669, Issaquah, WA 98027.

You can also donate via PayPal at www.issaquahcommunityservices.org.

The names of the donors (but not amounts) are published in the Reporter (unless donors request anonymity).

Call Issaquah Community Services at 425-837-3125 for more information.

Donors

Goal: $100,000

As of Dec. 5: $22,055

Lee and Thomas McCollough, Heather Berry, Elaine Davis, Mary O. Fricke in memory of James L. Fricke, Peter and Gisela Smutny, Richard and Helen Scott in memory of Vern and Merle Scott and David M. Scott, Rita and Terry Deschenes, Todd and Brenda Elliott, Hank and Jackie Thomas, Carol Lebeiko, Jim Nold in memory of Jack Momberger on behalf of Karen M. Nold, Marian and Ken Hampton in memory of Jo Engle, Gabor and Margaret Aldassy, Bruce and Jacqueline Garden, Jeanne Lawson, Frances L. Nelson, Joyce Johnson, Tony Simmons and Dennis Hall, Claus and Elizabeth Mueller, Jan Olson, Rich and Marilyn Batura in memory of Ed Squifflet, Sue Jett Jensen and Neal Jensen, John and Marilyn Pinkley, Cris Wilkinson, Nicole McHale, Chari Avolio in memory of Paul and Elva Nibblelink.