From the Executive Director

November 2020

I'm very happy to announce that AAP – Food Samaritans has just received a $10,000 grant from BIGHORN Cares, a local organization that funds specific projects for local non-profits that demonstrate a need and make a difference in the quality of life for people in the Coachella Valley.
 
Developed in 2014, BIGHORN Cares grants serve a broad range of people and programs including educational outreach, after school services, maternity aid, disability assistance, shelter relief, foster care, health screenings, and military programs. BIGHORN Cares has gifted over $2.3 million through 242 grants to qualified non-profits, funding projects that significantly impact the quality of life for the people they serve.
 
Over the coming weeks, in anticipation of Giving Tuesday and World AIDS Day, (both take place on December 1) I invite you to tell us what AAP - Food Samaritans means to you, and why you continue to engage with us. Sharing your story – whether it be a fond memory of a loved one or a personal struggle of living with chronic illness – helps us to appreciate our place in the bigger picture, in the context of our community. It might also help encourage others to help. Please visit our facebook page or drop me an email with your thoughts.
 
Also, I'd like to share a message we received from a client, whose heartfelt words warm our hearts and make our work so worthwhile:
 
A while ago I heard from a neighbor about AAP - Food Samaritans and I contacted them. The people there have been so nice and helpful. Through circumstances I became disabled but I don’t have enough work history to receive disability. I live on $200 a month that I receive every month from my family which I am very thankful for. Basic bills are almost a $100 so I have to live on about $25 a week.
 
Last month, I received my first vouchers from AAP - Food Samaritans and you can’t imagine how happy and relieved I felt. I can breathe a little more and don’t have sleepless nights at the end of the month not knowing how to get food on my plate for me and my little dog, who I rescued a while ago. 
 
AAP - Food Samaritans, thank you so much for your help, thank you for your generosity. You cannot imagine how life changing this has been for me. It also is wonderful to know there are still good people in this world, especially in those crazy and bizarre times. Again thank you from the bottom of my heart. Stay safe!
 
Nick G.
 
Thanks so much for your continued interest and support.
 
 
Sincerely,
Mark Anton
C.E.O./Executive Director