11/19/2013
WOW! 14th year here we come! Each year brings more and more opportunities and great blessings. This year promises to continue the tradition of serving and helping those in need in the Chippewa Valley. Pay It Forward-Chippewa Valley needs your help this year more so than in years past. The struggling economy has taken its toll on many people and organizations, Pay It Forward included.
The Community Table has continued to serve and help those in the Chippewa Valley at an increasing rate. The need has not diminished in the least. We are very grateful to be afforded the privilege to use their facility each and every year. The guests feel comfortable in coming to be part of the Pay It Forward family on Christmas morning. We have been given the opportunity to help some of the families and individuals throughout the year as well.
Last year we were able to unload several trailers of goods and food. We had an abundance of goods donated. Altoona Family Restaurant went above and beyond and donated all of the remaining food needed to prepare the breakfast that everyone deserves, especially on Christmas morning. There was a great selection of gently used clothing to choose from, an abundance of non-perishable food items to give away, and the gift room was the hot spot of the morning!! The hygiene items were distributed to all that expressed a need. The “hygiene ladies” stepped up again and made sure our guests were taken care of. The volunteers were essential in making sure that the day was made special for everyone!!
It has always been our desire that on Christmas morning we give a little extra attention to the kids to create a special memory that they can keep with them for years to come. Each child was given a wrapped gift or two that they could wildly tear the paper off! Although Santa was busy and unable to visit in person, his big red bag seemed to make it that morning. It was stuffed to the brim with treats, toys, books, and candy that was enjoyed by all!
As the numbers continue to increase each year we make a special effort to ensure there is a plethora of practical gifts that can be used in their daily lives to go along with the fun gifts. We gave away MANY gas only gift cards redeemable at Kwik Trip. We purchased cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, and other household items that most of us take for granted. We had implemented a new process to ensure that food went home to those who wanted. Because we are unable to give “to go boxes” of prepared food to the patrons, we made sure that each person was given, as a gift, several containers, Rubbermaid style, with lids to use as needed! It was a huge success! We hope to be able to do that again this year. Because of the ongoing uncertain economy we are anticipating our guest numbers to continue to rise. Along with the increased attendance, comes increased need.
Once again we are extending a “challenge” to each and every one of you. Enclosed is a partial list of items needed to make this Christmas Breakfast just as rewarding and successful as the past Christmas Breakfast's. In your daily travels and conversations please keep our needs in mind. Some of you may work for a company that would be willing to donate items, food, ingredients needed to prepare the breakfast, or even make a monetary donation so that such items can be purchased. No donation will be turned down! We participate in a fair amount of media and have no problem mentioning those that have shared their generosity. We can also ensure anonymity.
Warmest regards,
The Berman's
Pay It Forward Chippewa Valley
