As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, I share this letter which came from Sarai Rice, Executive Director of DMARC (Des Moines Area Religious Council):
Hunger.
It happens in Iowa, where one in every five of our children does not know when they will eat their next meal.
Hunger is revealed in the physical pain of a child who suffers even one day with an empty tummy.
Hunger resides in Polk County, where the Des Moines Area Religious Council provided 10,000 children or youth and 11,000 adults with food assistance in the first four month of 2014.
Hunger lives in the hidden heartbreak and despair of parents who are forced to make impossible choices every day. Do I buy medicine? Food? Gas for the car? Where will we live if we don’t pay the rent that is already five days past due?
While there are countless reports of an improving economy and decreasing number of the unemployed, these messages belie what DMARC and our
member congregations are witnessing across human service programs and missions.
As the need for rent and utility assistance, emergency food, and child care subsidies remains at unprecedented levels, DMARC has renewed its
commitment to provide basic human needs assistance for thousands of our neighbors who are struggling.
Right now we need you, your concern, your compassion and your
congregation’s continued support. A gift today will help DMARC ease a child’s pain, lessen the worry of concerned parents, and stabilize families during times of short-term chaos.
I pray that we as a congregation will respond generously to this great need.
Remember 3rd Sundays of each month are Food Pantry Sundays; the next one is November 16. Monetary gifts as well as non-perishable foods are welcomed.
To whom much is given, much is expected.
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