Fundraiser held for Prichard pensioners

PRICHARD, Ala. (WALA) - The Prichard Retiree's Relief Fund Committee held a fundraiser Saturday to help retired Prichard employees who aren't receiving pension payments.

Every dinner sold Saturday represents dollars for Prichard retirees who are struggling to make ends meet.

The city hasn't paid any pensions for more than a year.

"It's my main income, and if I don't get it I'll have to file bankruptcy. I think we're pretty close to making an agreement with the council and mayor that's in office down there now. In a couple of weeks we might have it settled. I hope so," Henry Phillips said.

Phillips, a retiree, came out to support the fundraiser. He knows how hard it can be to make ends meet.

Mark Everett is also a Prichard retiree. He's glad people are coming together to help.

"Some people are more fortunate than others, they're a little better off, But the ones that are not, they're on the lower end of the totem pole have a terrible time trying to make it, just to live, nothing special just to live," Everett said.

It was the second fundraiser sponsored by the Prichard Retirees Relief Fund.

"It's very important, because 11 of the retirees have died since their pensions were suspended. And it's very crucial right now for us to help them with their medicine and with their insurance costs and their utilities cost, because they have worked for this money. And they've been denied it," Burse said.

Chairperson Linda Burse said the money is intended to help the basics.

The last time the group held a fundraiser they received thank you letters from some retirees. One woman said the money helped her pay her utility bill, buy her prescription and there was little left over for groceries.

The group said it will continue to do what it can until the city pays up.

There is also a fund set up to help the pensioners. You can donate at Commonwealth Bank.