Help-Portrait volunteers seek to help 500 people with free photos

Help-Portrait is a charitable event all about photos, fellowship and smiles.

The international event is held in more than 2,000 locations across 62 countries. This is the fourth year local photographers will come together in Cape Girardeau to provide free professional photos to those who might not otherwise be able to afford them.

The photographers team up with local hairdressers, barbers and makeup artists to help each person or family look their best for their portrait.

Stephanie Goddard of Goddard Photography in Jackson is one of the organizers this year. She said the goal is to provide portraits for 500 people in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois.

"People can come from anywhere," she said. "Perryville, Sikeston, we've even been advertising in Poplar Bluff, because I'm not even sure how close the next Help-Portrait event is."

To reach the goal of 500, however, Goddard said at least 50 to 60 volunteers are required.

"We always welcome volunteers," she said. "We want the event to grow, but we can't get any bigger without more volunteers."

The success of the event also relies on business donations. In addition to providing hair, makeup and photography services, Goddard said refreshments, crafts and activities also are provided while people wait for their photos to be printed. To pay for the crafts, food and photography supplies requires about $2,000 to $3,000, she added.

Each portrait is edited, then printed on-site and placed in an 8-by-10-inch frame, and the costs of these items quickly add up.

"It takes a lot of money to provide food, photo paper, crafts and frames," Goddard said.

But Help-Portrait is a unique and worthy cause, she said. Many people that come to have their photo taken are from homeless shelters and rehab centers, or are in foster care, and likely have not been photographed in a while.

"The goal of Help-Portrait is to give someone that chance to have a moment of dignity they may have lost before," Goddard said. "People come in and get their photo taken and are absolutely shocked at how they look."

It's an opportunity to give back to those in need, she added, and to "use the talents God gave us to help other people."

Goddard also said it's an opportunity to help neighbors "in our own backyard."

"You always get more than you give," she said. "I feel blessed."

Help-Portrait will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the House of Hope, 1000 Ranney Ave. in Cape Girardeau. Those who wish to sign up as corporate or individual volunteers or make donations may contact Goddard at 225-5413 or visit facebook.com/groups/helpportraitcape. The Facebook event page also will make announcements Friday about any event changes because of inclement weather.

Pertinent address:

1000 Ranney Ave., Cape Girardeau, MO