For many years, the Huntington County Right to Life (HCRTL) organization has been assisting families with young children, whether it be through providing items to families in need or raising awareness against abortion. However, during the organization’s November monthly meeting, it was decided that it would officially close its doors at 34 E. Washington St., Huntington.
According to HCRTL President Deanna Mills, the main factor behind the decision is the lack of volunteers that have been available to keep the organization going in Huntington. Mills, who has been with the organization in some capacity or another since 1984, explained that there are only four members that remain on the board.
Pat Bickel, the office manager for HCRTL, has been with the organization since before Mills – and at 78, she is facing serious health issues that have been taking their toll. The office has been closed from time to time already due to this, and patrons were asked to call ahead before stopping in.
The office is officially closed to the public, and the next few months will be spent liquidating the items that have accumulated over the years for donation. According to Mills, the remaining items will be donated to like-minded organizations that assist families.
“We have to donate everything in the office, and we want to keep as much of it in the community as we can,” Mills said. “We want to give it to charitable organizations. We aren’t selling anything – we just want to help the same types that we have been helping. Pro-life groups, people that help children and families. It’s a daunting task.”
On Tuesday, Nov. 30, a portion of those donated items were received by the Salvation Army. Through HCRTL’s “Care and Share Program” a surplus of toys were given to the Salvation Army, which in turn will be given to local children in need over the Christmas season.
Mills said that HCRTL had paired with the Salvation Army for this program in the past, but the partnership of the program had taken pause for the last few years, both due to privacy reasons for families involved and due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A statement made by the HCRTL Board stated, “We are sorry to close our office and we are very grateful to all our members, board members past and present, volunteers and those who generously supported us over the many years.”
