Six Years In: A Needy Wilmington Continues Being the Heart of the Harbor

A Needy Wilmington is committed to helping the heart of the harbor’s most in need by securing and providing food, clothing and basic necessities for them. Outside of those special giveaway events, A Needy Wilmington operates what it calls a “hope closet” that stores emergency toiletries for students in need throughout the year.

Programs beneath the A Needy Wilmington umbrella include Operation Pilot Wheel – Adopt a Pilot, which was established in 2016. These programs incorporate a multi-pronged approach to helping entire families of poor students. A Needy Wilmington collects clothing, food, toiletries, blankets and feminine hygiene products, as well as cash donations in whatever amounts donors are willing to give. Donors have the option of adopting an entire family and providing them with food, clothing and Christmas gifts.

A Needy Wilmington will be celebrating the 6th Annual Operation Pilot Wheel Adopt a Pilot from Dec. 13-17.

Prom Pilot is a program designed to finance prom for students who would not be able to afford it. Through this program, tuxedos, dresses, flowers and prom tickets are purchased for students who otherwise would not have been able to go to this teenage milestone.

A Needy Wilmington works very closely with Banning High School to identify students and families in need who aren’t already receiving services elsewhere.

Tony Fernandez, the founder of A Needy Wilmington had pushed and succeeded in expanding the number of schools they serve, including Harry Bridges Span school and Montessori School in Manhattan Beach at which they gave 17 Thanksgiving meal boxes and one week extra food box for their winter break.