|
|
|
Our final e-newsletter of the year! December 2008 |
 River City Community Services makes people feel better, at least for a while.
When she came through the door last Wednesday afternoon, little Lucinda*, 3, shyly held onto her mother with one hand and her pink plastic lunchbox with the other. Her mother seemed reserved, uncertain as to whether she would be able to get some food. Fifteen minutes later, they not only left with healthy groceries, but Lucinda carried a colorful book, given to her as part of our holiday tradition. And she was beaming from ear to ear.
Holidays are filled with emotions for all of us. We smile when the mail brings more cards than bills. We think about who's coming to dinner, and whether the kids have gotten too old to sit in the kitchen. We renew friendships at open houses.
At River City Community Services, emotions are part and parcel of our daily work. And that's never more true than during the holidays. Those who come to us have little left for food, much less gifts.
Last Wednesday, Jonelle*, 50, seemed anxious, speaking rapidly as she explained what documents she had, and what documents she was trying to replace. She had lost everything after a recent hospitalization, and her friend was driving her around to help her get food and other assistance. Sharon*, mother of a 14, 9 and 5 year old, seemed embarrassed about needing to turn to a charitable organization for help. And a middle-aged couple held hands for comfort as they waited to receive several bags of food.
Thanks to donations from individuals and churches, our volunteers, Suzanne and Walt, were able to offer more than food. They listened calmly and compassionately, and quickly reassured Lucinda's family, as well as the others, that they would be able to leave with food.
Can you help us as we continue to face unprecedented need? With a dramatic spike in unemployment, we - and other food banks - continue to receive record numbers of people who need our help. River City Community Services is the only food closet that operates every weekday to serve people in need who live anywhere in Sacramento County. More than one-third of our operating budget for the year is donated in November and December; we hate to ask when times are tight for everyone, but we hope you'll give what you can so that we don't have to turn anyone away.
As we've said for many years, no one deserves to go hungry.
|
|
Does Aunt Sue really need another scarf?
We understand that writing a big check right now may be difficult. We are all in the same painful boat. Please consider these ideas:
1. Spread out your gift by making a monthly contribution of $20.
Right now, the only way we can accommodate monthly donations is online. You can click here to donate. Click the button beside the amount $240 and check the box for "recurring donation." You can specify whether you want your donation split into monthly payments, quarterly or twice-yearly. [A gift at this level makes you one of our Circle of Friends!]
2. If you have relatives to whom you usually send a holiday remembrance (like Aunt Sue), this might be the time to change the tradition and make a donation in their honor.
We don't know what would feel right to you. But we know some people have been thinking about changing the family gift exchange habit with adult siblings, aunts, uncles and so on. The holiday spirit can be shared in many ways. You can click here to donate. When you scroll down, you will see the box where you can name the person you are honoring. Or, click here for a handy form to accompany your mailed check and identify the person you honor. We'll be happy to let them know of your gracious and badly needed gift.
3. If you can, increase your normal gift to offset those who can't give. We know many would like to help but can't this year.
Whatever you can do will be welcome, most of all by the people who come to us and depend on your generosity.
|
The survey says: what you told us about our e-newsletters!
In November, we took advantage of a free survey tool and asked you - our loyal supporters - what you think about our new e-newsletters. Thanks to all of you who gave us your feedback! Almost a third of you opened the invitation (which is good, as these things go) and half of you went on to respond.
When we asked the primary reason that you got involved in RCCS, two responses tied for #1: "I am deeply concerned about hunger..." and "I got involved through Empty Bowls." The next most popular response was "I was looking for a way to make a difference in the local community and found out about RCCS."
You told us about your preferred content for the newsletter (in order of popularity): 1) specific ideas about help that's needed, 2) stories about clients who are helped, 3) information about Empty Bowls, and 4) information about hunger and poverty.
Almost half of you always open the e-newsletter, 24% of you scan and read the parts that are interesting, and 17% of you read it all.
Three-quarters of you feel the every-three-weeks frequency is about right and 23% of you feel it's a little too frequent.
We hear you! You also suggested coming up with an easy way to reply to requests and we'll work on that. And one of you suggested the content was a little long. I guess we violated that this time, but we'll work on that, too! More soon about other things you think sets RCCS apart. You had lots of great things to say! |
|
|
|
|
Eileen Thomas 
