This year, we continue our tradition of celebrating our blessings by donating in your name to deserving organizations, as recommended by our team. We recognize that 2020 has had its challenges and believe the best way to celebrate the holiday season is give to those in need.
A common theme for the recommendations this year is to organizations helping those most affected by the pandemic - feeding the hungry and suicide prevention.
This year we are donating $5,000 to: The Meals on Wheels COVID-19 Response Fund, as recommended by Tony Berkebile.
Tony – “With the unprecedented times here in 2020, I believe it is even more important to be thankful for all of the many blessings that we have. This year, and every year, I feel it is so very important to be grateful for who is around our tree, and not what is underneath it.
So many have been affected in such saddening ways by the COVID-19 pandemic, and some are still nowhere near the light at the end of the tunnel. Unfortunately, many have lost loved ones that will not around this holiday season. A high percentage of those loved ones lost were the vulnerable senior citizens that are at the highest risk of COVID-19. I think it is fantastic that we are still able to continue with donating to charitable organizations this year, and I feel it would be great to donate to these most vulnerable seniors. Millions of grandmothers, grandfathers, paps, grams will be setting the table for only one this holiday season, and most of them are unsure where that meal is going to come from. They are more isolated and more alone than ever right now because they cannot be with their families, friends, neighbors and loved ones. This just breaks my heart.
This fund will ensure that our local communities have what they need to continue to deliver a vital lifeline to our most at-risk Americans. The Local Meals on Wheels Programs are on the front lines every day, focused on doing all they can to keep our older Americans safe, and very well fed. However, nearly all Meals on Wheels programs are experiencing financial hardships and strain, while maintaining critical services to hundreds of thousands of our seniors since March. Most recent research reveals that these programs are serving an average of 77% more meals and 47% more seniors since March 1st. This is requiring a sustained need for more meals and transportation to provide the services our seniors need.
All donated funds will help replenish food supplies, provide additional transportation and personnel costs, enable tech-based efforts to check in on isolated seniors and support timely science-based information needs to ensure safe care for all.
Even during “normal times” so many seniors have a difficult time getting to the grocery store, yet alone being able to afford the bill at the end. The COVID-19 pandemic has made this even more trying on our seniors. The Meals on Wheels Program aides them with this disheartening issue. Personally, my grandfather and grandmother both use the Meals on Wheels Program, and it is an organization I hold near and dear to my heart. Even though I know I will not be able to be with my grandparents in person this holiday season, it gives me a sense of comfort and happiness knowing they are well fed and well taken care of.”
We will also be making a $3,000 donation to Prevent Suicide PA, as recommended by Bob Marcavage.
Bob – “Since the suicide rate has been up across the country due to the lockdowns and limited social interaction, I would like to submit a charity that addresses this need in Pennsylvania.
Their Mission is “To support those who are affected by suicide, provide education, awareness, and understanding by collaborating with the community to prevent suicide, and reduce the stigma associated with suicide.” Their Vision is “To have a Commonwealth where every life is valued, that everyone has the support necessary to get help when needed, and that hope and healing abounds in every person.”
Some other great organizations to donate:
Listed below are the other great organizations our team recommended to donate this year. SunStone will be donating $250 to each of these organizations in your name.
American Cancer Society, as recommended by Candice Shaffer – “I recommend this, due to how many lives cancer takes every year. I have lost several people in my life to cancer. The American Cancer Society provides lifesaving research and helps patients with the support they need during a difficult time in their lives.”
Central PA Food Bank, as recommended by Georgia Rackley – “The number of hungry Americans nearly tripled between 2019 and August of this year, according to an analysis of data from the Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As many as 1 in 4 children could be food insecure by the end of 2020.”
Feeding America, as recommended by Frank Tokic – “Food security is a national issue. The Feeding America network is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, working to connect people with food and end hunger. Donors, staff, and volunteers all play an important role in our efforts to end hunger in the United States.”
The America’s 911 Foundation, as recommended by Kristie Oleksa – “The organization that I am submitting to you is very near and dear to my heart as my family has participated in this for the past 10+ years. The purpose of this foundation to never forget September 11, 2001…but it is so much more! The America’s 911 Foundation provides scholarships for children of Active First Responders (EMS, FIRE, POLICE) who each day place their lives on the line for us. The foundation has also helped many other Emergency Organizations with funds, materials, equipment, and volunteers when needed.
YoungLives of York City, as recommended by Trina Roberts – “Young Lives of York City was created to reach teen moms by entering their world, modeling the unconditional love of Christ, and encouraging them to become the women and mothers God created them to be.”
SunStone has made these donations with all your names as a way of saying thank you for your business, your friendship and contribution to our ongoing success.
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Holidays, and hope you and your families have a healthy and prosperous New Year!
Warm regards,
Greg St.Clair, and all your friends at SunStone