During this special season when we wrap up a month of thanksgiving to make way for a time of remembrance, many of us pause to reflect on the things that matter most.
The people who make our lives better today. The ones who came before and have paved the way. The young ones who will take up the torch to ensure our community is stronger in the years to come.
At SOS, we pause to do the same.
We remember with gratitude the small but mighty group of concerned citizens, who in 1968 began the grassroots movement that has become the SOS of today.
We are grateful for the volunteers, Thrift Shop supporters and financial donors who keep our many programs and services going, especially during these challenging times.
And we see hope in the determination of the next generation of leaders who will ensure that our 53-year legacy of meeting local needs continues.
That is why, a few weeks ago, our entire Board of Directors participated in a thank-a-thon, when they telephoned supporters to extend gratitude. Many who we contacted were genuinely surprised by the call and very appreciative. Hopefully we were able to connect with you.
Many are current or past volunteers, and several expressed their gratitude right back to us saying how much they have benefitted from programs like Meals on Wheels, Counselling Referral, and Income Tax services to name just a few. And quite a few told us they look forward to seeing their friends again when we can resume our popular Seniors Connecting program in person.
We spoke to people who remembered when we first started in 1968. They said they have been strong supporters of the Thrift Shop ever since. In fact, one supporter told us that the Thrift Shop really helped at a time of their own personal need. And we were heartened to be told how much our call of thanks meant to a supporter who is currently undergoing cancer treatment.
Some told us they support SOS because their donation stays in the community helping local residents of all ages when they need assistance. And many told us they support our Caring for Community at Christmas program every year and are looking forward to volunteering, buying toys during the toy drive and donating cash for grocery gift cards to make the holidays a little merrier for residents in need.
Some supporters even told us they are so grateful for what SOS means to our community that they have made provisions for SOS in their will. Now that is really paying it forward!
But for the most part, you told us that what we do is important for residents in School District 69. That without our programs and services, many would go without the support they need, when they need it the most.
In fact, because of the donations we have received to our Project Rebuild campaign, we have delivered nearly 9,000 Meals on Wheels to seniors and other residents who have found it challenging to prepare nutritious food for themselves over the past six months.
Your support has also enabled us to stay connected by phone with hundreds of local seniors to make sure their needs are being met.
And when it comes to our community’s young ones, funds to Project Rebuilt have enabled hundreds of children and youth to participate in our free kids’ programs. Campaign donations since April have also meant that more than 100 moms, dads and caregivers could take a break and connect with other adults over a snack and coffee while their children play – a much needed respite and mental health break for families.
On behalf of the entire Board of Directors and staff of SOS, please know that you are important to us. Your time, talent and treasure are what fuels our efforts. We simply could not do what we do for our community without you!
With our grateful hearts,
Susanna Newton
Executive Director
Society of Organized Services
www.sosprojectrebuild.com
