"For it is in the giving that we receive.” –St. Francis of Assisi
On behalf of the SVdP staff, the Board of Directors, and myself, I want to offer up a most heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you who have generously supported our mission this year, or in the past. Because of your willingness to share your treasures with others in need, the impact of your gift is immediate and life-changing for many of the families and individuals who come to us for assistance.
Examples include:
Client recently paralyzed: Needed help with rent until his disability check arrived - SVdP paid $773.97.
Client out of work with health issues: Diagnosed with MS and on meds; will return to work soon; needed help with utility bills until first check arrived - SVdP paid $400.00
Client was seasonal worker: Laid off; husband recently passed; is aggressively seeking employment - SVdP paid $568.00 for utility bills.
Husband and wife disabled: Daughter doing her best to help care for parents; unexpected expenses arose; first time ever seeking help for rent - SVdP paid $1,100.00
Client has very sick daughter: Diagnosed with tumor on spine; slowly affecting her ability to function; medical bills piling up; limited medical insurance; rent was last paid in July - SVdP paid $1,350.00.
But our work in 2022 is far from over. Through the first 10 months of 2022, we've set a record for the number of households helped (more than 5,000), and the amount of assistance given (more than $1 million). And those numbers will most certainly have climbed higher by the time you read this.
There's no denying that 2022 has been hard on all of us to some degree. But for many, it's been a downright struggle. They feel hopeless and anxious, with little joy or peace in their life. Simply asking for help is hard. Their dignity is tested. They're facing an uncertain future in regard to what the months ahead will bring. But in the end, they know they have to call. They have to ask for help from complete strangers. They turn to SVdP.
In asking you to support the vital work we do, and since it is the Advent season, I'm reminded of the Four Advent Candles and what each one represents: The first candle represents "Hope," the second "Love," the third "Joy," and the fourth "Peace." For those in crisis, you and I together can help them possibly experience some hope, love, joy and peace this holiday season. Thank you in advance for your wonderful gift. You truly can make a difference in someone's life.
Blessings to you and yours this Christmas season,
–Brian Ferschweiler