Crisis Line needs your help

Jill just wanted someone to talk with while she died. She had taken a bottle of pills because the pain of living had become too great. Thankfully, a Crisis Line volunteer was able to get her to help. Marcia's daughter had been experiencing psychotic episodes. Her daughter's behavior was erratic and Marcia feared she could be violent. The volunteer directed her to help. John had had surgery and couldn't work. The result was increased financial and marital stress. The volunteer referred him to sources to help with both areas. Nancy called because her friend had been beaten up four to five times by her boyfriend and she was afraid for her. The volunteer directed Nancy to services to help the friend.

Each caller has their own unique story and need. Crisis Line is 'there' for the over 3,000 callers each year. There are approximately 60 dedicated caring volunteers who man the line 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. The Crisis Line volunteers are there to support and encourage the callers. But who is there to support and encourage the Crisis Line staff and volunteers? Crisis Line is supported and funded by the communities we serve. It only works if you care enough to give your time and talents to raise the funds that support our work. Being a phone intervention volunteer is not for everyone. It takes exceptional communication skills and confidence to share in other people's pain. But there are other ways you can contribute to the success of Crisis Line.

Crisis Line's annual fund-raiser is the Chocolate Lovers Extravaganza. The date is set for Feb. 7, 2002 at Central Lakes College. We need people to share their ideas and energy in organizing and running this special event. If you've ever wanted to help Crisis Line but didn't want a long-term commitment, this is the perfect opportunity for you. For a few short months, you can provide a valuable service to Crisis Line by participating in the planning of this event.

Crisis Line will be holding their first organizational meeting on Nov. 5 at 1 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Brainerd and you are hereby cordially invited to attend. This is the 13th annual event so it will not be a committee that is reinventing the wheel. There are tried and true formulas that have made this a success in the past. We just need a group of people to come up with new ideas to improve on the event.

Crisis Line is extremely grateful to all the area businesses that give so generously to our Silent Auction and the area restaurants and food vendors who share their delicious delicacies the night of the event. We are thankful for the major sponsors who make the event even more successful.

Now you have the opportunity to participate in the creative phase of Chocolate Lovers. Please join us at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Nov. 5 at 1 p.m. The 13th annual Chocolate Lovers Extravaganza will be a little bit better, a little more fun, and a little bit easier if you take the time to share your talents with us. Please call us at 828-4515 if you can help and plan to attend. We'll put the coffee pot on and rustle up some sweets. Chocolate, anyone?

(Stephan is executive director of the Crisis Line and Referral Service.)