You never know when you are going to be faced with a disaster or crisis situation. Sometimes, an unexpected event can be a financial hardship for you and your family.
When our people have been hit with a disaster or crisis such as a fire or natural disaster, we have been there for each other to “lend a helping hand.” We have contributed money, collected food, clothing and other necessities to help meet their needs. Now we can do even more . . . . through the BNE Helping Hands Program
BNE Helping Hands Program
The BNE Helping Hands Program is an employee assistance fund that provides financial assistance to Boddie-Noell employees in time of need. It is designed to assist employees who may be experiencing an unforeseen personal crisis such as an acute illness, natural disaster, fire or flood.
By donating as little as a $1 per pay period through payroll deduction, we can raise a significant amount of money to“lend a helping hand” to our fellow employees when they need it the most. Simply fill out the attached form and pledge your tax deductible donation. Once completed, return the form to the BNE Payroll Department at P. O. Box 1908, Rocky Mount, NC 27802.
When I Need A Helping Hand..
Any active employee is eligible to apply for assistance through the BNE Helping Hands Program. The individual must have suffered from a qualifying catastrophic event beyond his or her control and will be required to provide supporting documentation along with his or her application for assistance. Employees in need may use the program funds for food, clothing, temporary housing, repairs and other critical needs.
If a crisis hits, simply contact your General Manager, District Manager or the BNE Helping Hands Coordinator in the Home Office (ext. 1206). You will need to submit a BNE Helping Hands Assistance Application. It will be reviewed by Foundation for the Carolinas, an independent agency who administers the BNE Helping Hands Program. Funds will be allocated based on need and the Program’s established guidelines.
Questions & Answers
How can I sign up to donate to the BNE Helping Hands Program?
Simply complete the BNE Helping Hands Program Payroll Deduction form, indicate the $ amount you wish to contribute each pay period and return the form to the BNE Payroll Department.
What if I would like to make my contribution by check vs. payroll deduction?
One time donations via check are permitted. Simply complete the BNE Helping Hands Payroll Deduction Form, noting that you would like to make a one time donation. Return the form along with your check made payable to the BNE Helping Hands Program to the BNE Payroll Department.
Where may I obtain a copy of the BNE Helping Hands Payroll Deduction Form?
The form is a part of the Program Brochure which is distributed periodically to employees or may be printed from Outlook or the Paper Forms section of Xcellenet or Live Reporter.
Are the contributions that I make to the plan deductible for tax purposes?
Yes, contributions to the fund from the employee are tax deductible.
Who is eligible to apply for assistance?
Any employee of Boddie-Noell (other than contract employees, temporary employees who are employed for a defined period of time, and retirees) is eligible to apply for assistance through the BNE Helping Hands Program. The individual must have suffered from a qualifying catastrophic event beyond his or her control and will be required to provide supporting documentation along with his or her application.
What is a qualifying catastrophic event?
A qualifying catastrophic event is a natural disaster (flood, fire, hurricane, tornado), national emergencies (terrorist act, riot), or a personal crisis (illness, death, accident, violent crime).
Am I still eligible to apply for assistance, even if I do not contribute to the fund?
Yes, all qualified BNE employees are eligible to receive assistance regardless of their decision to contribute.
How do I apply for funds?
If a crisis hits, simply contact your District Manager or the BNE Helping Hands Coordinator in the Home Office (ext. 1206). You will need to submit a BNE Helping Hands Assistance Application for review by Foundation For The Carolinas.
What types of expenses qualify for assistance?
Employees in need may use program funds for food, clothing, temporary housing, repairs and other critical needs.
What types of expenses do not qualify for assistance?
Lost compensation due to missed time from work; items covered by an individual’s insurance; routine, on-going or long-term medical expenses; elective medical procedures; insurance premiums; credit card debt or pay day loans; employee benefits during waiting periods for coverage; legal fees, and expenses associated with divorce settlements and child custody cases.
Do I have to pay the grant back?
No, these funds are given to you as a plan of recovery from the catastrophic event.
Are there restrictions on funds due to my income level?
Yes, the applicant must qualify as needy and/or distressed based on the financial need test to include among other things gross income, debt, and number of family members.
Who makes the decision regarding my application?
Foundation For The Carolinas, a non-profit organization that serves donors, communities and a broad range of charitable purposes, administers the BNE Helping Hands Program. A review committee of non-BNE members reviews applications and makes grants monthly.
If I receive benefits from the plan, are these benefits taxable to me?
No, benefits received are not taxable.
