That other posting prompted me to give to GBFB. I have given before, and I get regular “reminders” from them, but sometimes you just need a kick in the butt to get the card out and do so.
Please consider this a kick. If you have a little something, please give thanks, and give food.
Here is the text of the thank-you note:
Dear [mem]:
Your online gift of $100.00 this holiday season means a lot to us at The Greater Boston Food Bank!
As New England’s largest hunger-relief organization, we help feed 83,000 hungry people across eastern Massachusetts every week. But between now and November 22, we hope to distribute 35,000 turkeys and more than a third of a million pounds of traditional holiday foods for people who might otherwise face a grim Thanksgiving. We rely on the generous support of tens of thousands of donors such as you to sustain our vital work, now and all year round.
The 2006 national study, Hunger in America, revealed a 14% increase in those seeking food assistance in our region — a bigger increase than the 8% nationally. The 19.5 million meals The Greater Boston Food Bank helped provide over the past year were still not enough to meet the need!
On behalf of our staff, board of directors, and all those we serve — especially the elderly poor and the children of struggling low-wage workers — please accept my thanks for playing a role in ending hunger in eastern Massachusetts!
Sincerely,
Catherine D’Amato
Some people may not think this is political. But it is to me.
Thanks for your time.
mem-from-somerville says
Really. That’s all I’m asking.
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$10 Turkey Drive
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And this from a vegetarian….
sharonmg says
Those outside the Greater Boston area might want to consider the state-wide Project Bread.
stomv says
This year, my family tried out Pie in the Sky. The story:
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p> * Local food suppliers donate raw ingredients for pies. * Local restaurants bake those pies. * We buy those pies for $25 a piece.
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This is done through Community Servings.
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Pie away!
mem-from-somerville says
how neat!
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I just went to order one, though, and they didn’t have mincemeat–that’s the one I need.
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Alas.
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Thanks for pointing this out, though.
annem says
also fitting for this theme that we agree must extend far beyond the holidays is the mantra that William Sloan Coffin embodied in his life’s work: Justice Not Charity, offered as food for thought…fuel for action…
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Haley House in Dudley Square Roxbury is another great source for holiday pies, and MUCH more. A wonderful place.
mem-from-somerville says
I had dinner with Didi Emmons recently (she runs the cafe) and she was describing the training program. Very worthwhile stuff, certainly making a difference in people’s lives directly.