During the holiday season, you see photos in social media and on the news of local and national agencies with their big food giveaways, last minute needs for turkey donations and families standing in long lines waiting for boxes of free groceries. I commend those organizations who work so hard to make that happen.
I assure you that ACO is working hard as well, and fed hundreds of local families in November to prepare them for the Thanksgiving holiday and continues to do so for their Christmas Dinner and holiday celebrations in December. We just do it a little differently.
Yes, for years we did the assembly-line style food distribution. Families "got what they got" with no selections. This year ACO has chosen a different route of distributing food, in keeping with our "client choice" concept, and respecting their dignity. Our families are able to shop for all their holiday needs both in NOV & DEC with added selections of holiday foods at the ACO Food Pantry.
We operate differently year round than other pantries in that we have families shop in a market-style setting with a shopping cart, much like a grocery store- but food is free to those in need. So we decided to do the same this time of year and let them choose if their families like stuffing and mashed potatoes or rice and beans, their choice of meats since not everyone likes turkey, and be respectful of their own dinner traditions.
I tell you this so that you'll know, that even if you don't see families lined up for a big food giveaway from ACO- we provide thousands of pounds of food to feed hungry families free of charge every week. Even if you didn't see us on the news, we needed and we used your food donations from local drives to ensure that everyone had food on their table for Thanksgiving and will continue to do so. And even if you think because you didn't see social media photos, ACO staff, volunteers and donors are doing our best every day to prevent hunger and homelessness this season. And we do it thanks to YOU! Please keep those food drives and donations coming!
FINALLY, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our staff. ACO employs the most dedicated and committed employees who work countless hours to serve local families in need. This time of year, as you can imagine, people are stressed and tempers are short. Dealing with frustrated and desperate families in need of help is no easy task. It tests your patience and tugs HARD at your heart. But the joy in our hearts and the peace that comes from giving to others is invaluable. Our staff loves what we do. When you see an ACO staff member, please thank them for their service to our community. It's so much more than a job. From all of us at ACO, we wish you a very merry and happy holiday!
ONE MORE THING...It's time to ask for your year-end support. ACO cannot take care of our community without your care and support. It's a partnership. Joining hands- you and I to make sure that no one is alone, with nowhere to turn for help. I hope you will consider ACO in your gift giving this year. See the DONATE button below!
