Beginnings
need
in Napa County, California
three family members and their home in a
terrible fire. Molly Banz, (originally from
Peterborough, England) was busy operating
her popular restaurant, but she was not too
busy to have deep feelings for the survivors
of this family who couldn't even afford to
bury their dead. She contacted the Napa
Register and had them put a story in the
paper stating that if everyone would come
into her restaurant with just one dollar, she
could get this family back on their feet. The
local residents answered her call and came
through with an amazing outpouring of
generosity.
This local disaster gave birth to an idea
Molly had been nurturing in her mind for
some time. She believed that if every family
in Napa County would donate one dollar a
month to a financial fund, there would be
enough money to help those individuals
and families who, because of a catastrophic
event in their lives, needed assistance; yet
fell through the bureaucratic cracks.
There are eight members that form the
Board of Directors for Molly's Angels.
There are approximately 3000 families in
Napa County that have become members.
helped hundreds of individuals, children
and their families. We now help mainly
Senior Citizens. Our organization receives
dozens of requests for help a week, often
notified about a special need by Napa
County social workers, neighbors of the
family, or by the people themselves. Often,
the people in distress can be directed to
the proper community agency. Other times,
when community resources aren't available,
Molly's Angels steps in to fill the gap. We
do not give cash, preferring to furnish food,
goods, rides to appointments or services to
those in need. People helped must be
Napa county residents. They complete a
comprehensive application outlining the
specific need and their reason for
requesting help from Molly's Angels.
Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case
basis by our Board of Directors, however, a
three-member committee is empowered to
grant emergency funds or services up to
$1500. Molly's Angels holds monthly
meetings to discuss the cases and project
future direction and needs.