ASO continues to survive

GREENVILLE — In a featured article in November in The Daily Reflector, Pitt County AIDS Service Organization (PiCASO) shared that it was considering closing due to more than a 30 percent budget shortfall.

PiCASO is 18-years-old. According to the article, in 2008 it operated with $130,000. Board President Aaron Lucier said that they were looking at ways to keep the ASO open, despite losing $25,000 from the United Way of Pitt County, among others. A board decision is expected soon if the shortfall can’t be met. They are currently at a $40,000 deficit. Not only has it had difficulties with funds, it has also had issues with stocking its food pantry.

PiCASO has already sent out 1,000 fundraising letters to those who were previous contributors. Unfortunately, they had not raised enough from that request to pay for the postage.

According to PiCASO’s website, these are ways that the community can support them right now: Contribute; host a fundraiser; volunteer; become a donor/group to provide office space for the agency next year (It will help the agency cut over $700 a month in costs. It needs a space with several private offices and preferably a direct entrance to the space.); and can goods and personal hygiene items for our food pantry.

To lend support or to make a contribution, call 252-830-1660 or visit picaso.org/newsite.

Happy, happy!

HOPE MILLS — Join the Fayetteville LGBT Meetup Group as they celebrate their one-year anniversary on Dec. 5 at Sammio’s, 3057 N. Main St., at 6 p.m.

The dutch-treat dinner will include plenty of time to chat.

For more information, visit www.meetup.com/The-Fayetteville-LBT-Meetup-Group/calendar/11124141/.