SmartBanking Blog

The Savings Bank has been a proud supporter of PICCA for many years--and hey, the Toys for Tots Chili Cook-Off is one of our favorite events! We were able to chat with Executive Director Becky Hammond for this Community Spotlight.

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Can you tell us a little bit about what PICCA does in the community?

Pickaway County Community Action Organization, Inc. (PICCA)

PICCA's mission statement is to be an active agent and partner for change in Pickaway County by providing opportunities which empower people in poverty to become self-sufficient and improve their quality of life. 

With more than 55 years of existence in Pickaway County, PICCA has been helping to empower people to become self-sufficient and improve their quality of life. PICCA has developed a wide range of programs that address different needs within the community. A few of the larger programs PICCA provides are Head Start and Early Head Start, Public Transportation, Fresh Produce distribution, Affordable Housing, Homeless Assistance, Transitional Housing for Veterans, Education and Training, Home Weatherization and Home Repair programs, Home Energy Assistance Programs (HEAP) and of course, Toys for Tots. 

During the pandemic, Community Action Agencies were deemed essential and PICCA has been open to serve our community.  Our Head Start Program is in session offering a hybrid model of in-person and virtual learning.  Transportation is being provided safely.  Our Fresh Produce distribution is being offered as a drive through process on the second and fourth Thursday – no need to get out of your car!  Programs that require an application can be completed remotely by fax, email, phone call or drop off.  PICCA is in full operation but we are keeping our staff, children and clients as safe as possible.

How was PICCA first established?

Pickaway County Community Action Organization, Inc. (PICCA) was organized as a private not-for-profit corporation in 1965. Community Action Agencies (CAAs) are locally controlled, private not-for-profit organizations whose purpose is to reduce poverty and to help low-income people become self-sufficient. CAAs were created by President Lyndon Johnson in 1964 and were an important piece of his “War on Poverty.” PICCA was formed to develop and provide resources for the purpose of assisting low-income individuals and the community as a whole, through a variety of programs and services. The organization is primarily supported through federal and state government grants. 

Over the years, PICCA has expanded and launched programs based on the needs within our local community.  PICCA conducts a community-wide Needs Assessment every three years.  We will be completing the assessment later this year. 

An eighteen member Board of Directors governs PICCA. One third of the members are elected public officials or their representatives, one third are disadvantaged persons or their representatives and one third are from the private sector.  

PICCA typically employs an average of 100 people.  The largest program in the agency is our Head Start/Early Head Start program, second would be our Transportation program Pickaway Area Rural Transit (PART).   

What’s your favorite thing about being a part of the Pickaway County community?

We are very fortunate to live and work in such a giving community.   PICCA operates the local Toys for Tots program that is totally funded by community donations and agency fundraisers.  There have been years where I thought we would not have the funds or toys donations to meet the need, but this community always comes through.  This past year, in particular, due to the pandemic, we were not able to hold our annual Toys for Tots Chili Cook-off (Sponsored by the Savings Bank, I might add), that raises approximately $16,000 for the program. But we saw an overwhelming show of support from clubs, businesses, schools and individuals, some who were first time donors!

During the pandemic, our requests for food more than doubled.  But we also saw an increase in donations to purchase food.  Another program that relies heavily on donations is our Veterans Transitional Housing program which saw an increase in donations in 2020.

This community rallies and comes together during difficult times.  Local businesses support the community in a variety of ways such as donating to fundraisers, sponsoring little league teams or school events and donating food to shelters, just to name a few.  That is why it is so important for us to support them through this pandemic and beyond.  We need to spend our money locally as much as possible.

What advice would you give folks who want to make a difference in their community?

Be involved! Take pride in our community.  There are so many ways people can make a difference; volunteer or donate to a non-profit activity or fundraiser, foster a pet, join a local club or civic organization, mentor an individual of any age needing a guiding hand, support our local stores, restaurants and businesses, adopt a road, perform random acts of kindness, RECYCLE!  Recycle correctly by rinsing out bottles/cans, break down boxes, NO PLASTIC BAGS.  (Sorry, I’m very passionate about recycling.)

How can folks help PICCA and where can they find you online?

We sincerely appreciate all donations, toys, monetary, food, PPE or other supplies.

Normally we ask for volunteers for our Toys for Tots distribution and our Fresh Produce distribution.  However, during the pandemic, we are not utilizing volunteers.  Hopefully this will change soon as the pandemic environment improves.

People can find us on the web at picca.info or any online platform @piccahelps.