A Letter from Chip – We have a giving community!

December 2018

Dear Friends,

So here we are, right in the heart of the giving season. At this time of year, many of us instinctively think of giving in terms of the gifts we have purchased or made for our family and friends. However, often the most impactful gift might be something given to a complete stranger, someone who is need. As we enter the final days of the year, now is the time when giving reaches its peak here in the U.S. Just how giving are we as a nation? Consider these facts. Americans donated $410 billion to non-profit organizations in 2017, crossing the $400 billion mark for the first time, with individuals representing 70% of total giving. Does this level of giving surprise you? It doesn’t surprise us one bit based on the giving nature of our volunteers and supporters.                       

As you read our final newsletter of the year, you will see just how giving our America’s Grow-a-Row community has been this past year. We have seen giving on the rise in 2018, from the vast number of volunteers who graciously donated their time to help us harvest and distribute 1.5 million pounds of produce this year to the extremely generous people who helped to fund our program and feed thousands and thousands of folks faced with hunger. As we leave the fields and enter the classrooms over the winter months to educate hundreds of youth about hunger, healthy eating, and where fresh food comes from, please know that there are still ways to get involved in feeding those who are food insecure. Giving is never out of season here at America’s Grow-a-Row, and you have proven that year after year.                                             

Thank you for everything you have done to make 2018 such a successful year and for providing hope to those who needed it most during what might be their most challenging times.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Chip

President & Founder