AIDS Assistance Project</p> AIDS Assistance Project

From the Executive Director

December 2019

Written by Mark Anton on .

I am pleased to announce that in conjunction with Giving Tuesday, long-time supporters Thomas Andrika and Joseph Johnson will match all gifts received today, December 3, doubling the impact of all donations. In addition, I am announcing that we will increase the value of our clients’ food voucher from $100 to $150 per month.
 
#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Giving Tuesday harnesses the generosity of millions of people around the world to support the causes they believe in and the communities in which they live.
 
We hope that you believe that AAP – Food Samaritans, with our grass roots philosophy, low overhead, and strong volunteer base, is a very worthy charity. We’ve been feeding low-income people living with chronic illnesses in the Coachella Valley since 1991. With your help, we can do even more.
 
Donations will be matched by long-time supporters Thomas Andrika and Joseph Johnson, so the impact of each gift will be doubled! These gentlemen are passionate about our mission, and it warms my heart to know that they care so much.
 

AAP was founded 28 years ago with the goal of helping people who are low-income and compromised by health issues – some of the most at-risk members of our community. Since then, AAP has distributed more than $10 million in direct client services to more than 2,600 clients.

Each AAP client currently receives a $100 food voucher per month. AAP’s clients exist on an average annual income of less than $18,210 and depend on this food voucher to survive each month. With that in mind, beginning in January 2020 the value of the vouchers will increase to $150 per month.

Any low-income resident of the greater Palm Springs area who has lived in the community for a year or more and is diagnosed with HIV/AIDS or another life-threatening illness may qualify to receive monthly food vouchers, redeemable at local Stater Brothers Supermarkets. Dependent children are also eligible for dollar amounts equal to those received by their parent.

Each client is carefully assessed to confirm income and residency status. Vouchers are redeemable for food and basic household needs (such as toiletries, hygienic products, and other personal items), however alcohol, tobacco, and pet products are excluded. To curtail any abuse of the program, every client is re-certified annually to ensure continuing eligibility.

AAP works with other local charities to help ensure the best possible service for the community. One example is a partnership with the Palm Springs Animal Shelter to provide pet food for eligible clients.

Living with a chronic illness is not easy. HIV/AIDS continues to be a major health challenge in the Coachella Valley and across the world. While some people who have a diagnosis of HIV or AIDS are able to work and maintain a relatively healthy lifestyle, AAP serves those who unable to do so. Cancer, MS, heart or liver disease, and other chronic illnesses present similar challenges to those who are living with these debilitating conditions. While there have been developments in treating these chronic illnesses, AAP’s clients are faced with daily challenges.

AAP improves the quality of life of those who need it the most and it helps its clients live healthier lives with dignity and self-respect.

We are currently accepting new clients. For more information, call 760-325-8481 or visit aapfoodsamaritans.org.

#givingtuesday

Sincerely,
Mark Anton
C.E.O./Executive Director

 

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