July 2017
Summer has come to the Coachella Valley, and as the temperatures soar, it can be easy to forget about those in dire need of food, shelter, medical care, and companionship.
AAP – Food Samaritans is one of several non-profit organizations in the Valley that continue to work hard through the summer to address the growing needs of those less fortunate than ourselves. Our daily work continues with one significant change from the season: charitable contributions significantly drop.
Sadly, decreased charitable support is not a new thing. In 2008 when the national economy plunged into an economic downturn, donations declined and remained at historically low levels for several years – not just locally, but for charities all over the country. As the economy recovered, donations began to rebound. While the trajectory is positive, none of the charities that serve the local community are truly ‘out of the woods’ just yet.
We have been providing nutritional support to low-income members of the community living with HIV/AIDS for more than 25 years, and as you know, we've recently expanded our mission and are now welcoming clients with any chronic disease. Since our inception, AAP has distributed more than $10 million in direct client service to more than 2,300 clients. Our clients get by on an annual income of less than $18,090. While the overall health of some clients may improve, the majority rarely make it off of the client list.
Despite funding challenges AAP has never reduced our level of support. Every eligible client received his/her grocery vouchers every single month without interruption.
I, along with the board of directors and volunteers, believe in the mission of AAP – Food Samaritans and firmly intend to remain of service to those most in need. But we can’t do it without the support of the community – people like you. We are grateful to our major supporters who continue to provide a portion of the funding required to operate our Food Voucher Program but, now more than ever, your support is crucial.
Thank you and stay cool!
Sincerely,
Mark Anton, Executive Director