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By David Goodman, Executive Director
These are extraordinary times in which
we are living. Thousands of people who never imagined that they
would be struggling to maintain a standard of living for which
they worked so hard are now finding themselves in lines 100 people
deep with others who share stories of economic struggles. The
bag of groceries they receive will ensure that each family can
make it through the week with food on the table. Although it
is a far cry from where they were just a short time ago, the
food they receive enables them to maintain their dignity and
avoid Hunger.
All of our food comes from caring people performing acts of
kindness, compassion, and generosity. They are the ones who drop
bags of groceries in barrels at grocery stores; the children
who raise food and funds from neighbors and classmates; local
companies who make hunger the focus of their corporate philanthropy;
individuals and families who share their hard earned dollars
with the less fortunate; and volunteers who give the most precious
commodity of all, their time. It is the combination of each exceptional
act of kindness that makes it possible for the Redwood Empire
Food Bank to improve the lives of 70,000 of our neighbors each
month.
The unique nature of the economic downturn has shed more light
on the extra in extraordinary. We have seen individuals who recently
lost their job volunteer at the REFB to help others who might
be facing difficult times. We have also seen corporations focus
their philanthropy on the most basic of human needs like food.
Through company wide initiatives such as matching contributions,
the corporate leadership has been able to inspire their employees,
and raise significant funding to support people in need of food
assistance.
The refrain 'extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures'
has never been more relevant than right now. It is comforting
to know that should we ever find ourselves in "the line," there
will be extraordinary people there to help. (Fall 2009 Newsletter)
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