An organization founded in 1982 by the late Greg Schilling continues to be a force in the Woodland Park/Teller County community. Today, Help the Needy, HtN, is a source of connection to those needing help and a kind word.

“We help people with rent, utilities, medical bills, gasoline, auto repairs, for instance,” said Linda Meier, board member of the group. “We give scholarships for high school students going to college or a trade school.”

A project that fits the organization’s theme of offering a hand up, Help the Needy donated $25,000 last year to the childcare facility in Cripple Creek, “It’s a Place for Kids,” which is in under construction.

To fund its projects and outreach, the organization hosts the Sweetheart Ball every February; this year’s happened to be on Valentine’s Day at the Antlers Hotel in Colorado Spring. The 19th annual ball featured the band MIMIC.

The ball opened with the Teller County Sheriff’s Color Guard officers, Cpl. Arendt and Deputy Bueno.

To honor the founder, the board members reserved a table for the late Schilling, displaying his briefcase and phone, which is how he established connections with clients. The committee also played a video of Greg and Peg Schilling’s son, Andy, who talked about the effect his parents had on his life.

Greg Schilling died in June 2018, his wife followed a year later.

Since its founding, HtN has only had three chief executive officers, Schilling, Mary Gonzales, who initiated the Sweetheart Ball; and Vince Scarlata, each who served/serve with an annual salary of zero.

Over the years, the organization joined a collaboration of other nonprofits to broaden the scope of services available. 

“We’re still a hands-up not a handout,” Meier said. “We want to try to help them get on their feet, because hard times happen to all of us.”

Five Air Force cadets helped people check in and out at the Antler’s Hotel that evening.

“I love being a part of this, love what Help the Needy does,” Meier said.