Holiday Appeal 2019
Dear Friend of the Mission,
The lobby of our main site is typically a busy place. Stopping in, you may see people dropping off donations, or a guest heading to look at a new apartment. More recently, you may see a mother filling out a Christmas list for her children for the Adopt a Family program.
Many afternoons, however, this activity is broken up by the pitter-patter of little ones fresh off the school bus. These tykes are thrilled to share what happened during the school day with their moms and dads. The joy on these young faces is contagious, and often brings a smile to all those that pass by.
You may not have ever thought about families that stay with us. The fact is, families experiencing homelessness in Niagara Falls or the surrounding areas have nowhere else to turn within our community.
When you consider the joy these youngsters bring, it may not be what you would expect for a family staying with us. Finding yourself in shelter could be discouraging for anyone, especially for a parent with school-aged children. But…
…for 94 years, Community Missions has been a place of hope and encouragement. We often hear from guests that while they appreciated the food, or the roof overhead, what stayed with them were the acts of love and kindness they were shown.
Community Missions’ ability to help those in need comes from the kindness that supporters like you show throughout the year. The donations to the food pantry, or the pots and pans donated by a local church. Each of these shows a community response to a community need. Our guests experience that compassion because of your generosity.
You are receiving this letter because you know the impact a gift to us can make. Whether it was a donation of clothes or a financial gift, we thank you for your past support! Your help has made scenes like the one above possible. Today, though, we need your help more than ever.
More families than ever are finding their way to our door because they have nowhere else to turn. They come to the Food Pantry because their shelves are empty. They come to the shelter because they have no safe place to sleep.
But you can help!
Your support can make a difference in the lives of people right here at home. Here is how your donation can help…
$500 Housing and meals for a week to a family of five in the Emergency Housing Shelter.
$250 An appliance for a family in Rapid Re-Housing that is waiting to move into an apartment.
$100 Three days of food for eight households in the Food Pantry.
$50 Keeps the Clothes Closet open for a day.
$25 Food for 20 people eating in the Community Soup Kitchen.
You have answered the call before by donating to Community Missions. Will you show your neighbors in need once again how much you care? Your donation is tax-deductible, and directly impacts the lives of people in the Niagara community.
Every day, Community Missions is working to make Niagara County better by welcoming any and all in need. Today, I ask you to help us in this work once again. This holiday season, I ask you to think of those in need, and consider making a donation to help them. On behalf of those who will benefit from your kindness, I thank you!
With Kindest Regards,
Robyn L. Krueger
President & CEO
P.S. – Please consider remembering the Mission in your will. This ensures our work can continue for years to come.
By The Numbers...
In 2023, Community Missions provided:
• 12,108 nights of shelter
• 153,023 meals
• 2,780 individuals with clothing
• 3,562 care days in Youth Services
• 43,388 care days in Recovery Services
• 72,302 care days in Housing Services
• 467 reflections & resources for Faith Development