By Paul Mina, President & CEO of United Way of Tri-County
The leaves are falling and there’s a chill in the air which means we’re moving full steam ahead with our annual Feed-A-Family campaign here at the United Way of Tri-County.
We’ve been helping families across our communities achieve food security through our three food pantries and two community meal programs where we serve tens of thousands of clients every year. Our clients visit us for groceries to keep their shelves and refrigerators stocked for three meals a day and often join us for a hot meal five nights every week.
But the holidays are a time for something more; a time for something special. For many people the holidays bring time off from work spent with family, friends, and a table full of food. But for a growing number of people, it means another day struggling to make ends meet. These are our neighbors and our friends. From the outside, you might not know they’re having a hard time, but they need a helping hand. Can you help?
Our goal this year is to support 2,700 families through our Feed-A-Family program. This provides all our clients with extra groceries in both November and December for a full holiday meal they can prepare at home to enjoy with loved ones. A turkey, stuffing, gravy, potatoes, cranberry sauce, fresh vegetables, and desserts just like you and me, for families who would otherwise go without.
Your $50 gift will support one family to receive a holiday meal this year. With our buying power through our Food Bank partners, your gift can purchase $200 worth of food, enough for a family’s full holiday feast. Not only are you providing food, but you’re also giving families a time to come together to share stories and make memories that will be part of their holiday traditions for years to come.
Because of the generosity of people like you, when there are empty plates this holiday season, it will be because there are full stomachs that go with them. Together we can make a difference for those less fortunate this year so everyone has a bright holiday season. I hope you will join us to Feed-A-Family.