NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER 2019
We are just a few weeks away from the end of another decade and the start of 2020. I like the sound of that! 2020!
The first thing that comes to my mind is 20/20 vision. For me, that’s something I left behind long ago (I’m thankful for contacts and glasses!), but having good vision means the world to each of us. Our physical sight is critical in today’s world, but so is goal setting and forward thinking that we often call “vision.”
I can see an amazing 2020 for Gleaning because of the strong foundation we have built this year – a foundation that included new partnerships, new distributors, new donors and new strategic projects. While Gleaning is often more visible during hurricanes and tornados and mass flooding, our work happens 24/7/365 in several areas.
Did you know that we have provided just over $9.7 million in humanitarian aid so far this year? We have done that from our small warehouse in Concord because of friends like you. Together, we have made an impact.
One of the most valuable products we ship is categorized as “medical supplies.” Items like syringes, sutures, dressings, exam gloves, orthopedic supplies, to hospital beds, exam tables, crutches, walkers and wheelchairs mean so much to doctors and poor families in developing countries.
We have improved the quality of life for tens of thousands. No doubt, our partnership with international hospitals, clinics and health centers have resulted in saved lives. It’s something we should celebrate!
Did you know we have provided help in 18 countries and 12 states this year? Yes, our work has taken us all over the globe. For example, we expanded our outreach in Ghana, placing $487k in supplies to not only support established hospitals and clinics, but to also assist with the development of a new medical center. Our work there also included the expansion of ministries through schools, churches and orphanages.
As a result of the devastating Hurricane Dorian, we have placed $898,083 in humanitarian aid in the Bahamas. In Central and Latin American countries, we have provided $6,334,991 in important aid to support rural health clinics to the poorest of the poor. Tropical weather, civil unrest, medical diseases related to tropical and infectious diseases all contribute to the need for ongoing relief support in these countries.
In the US, we went as far west as Washington State where we shipped more than 16,000 blankets to assist those struggling with homelessness, poverty and addiction. Close to home, we placed $238,170 in supplies throughout Virginia and North Carolina — helping families in need, veterans, (even shelter pets!) with nonperishable food, water, blankets and personal care items.
As a result of significant storms in the US (flooding, hurricanes and tropical storms), we placed $1,424,995 in disaster aid into Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Ohio, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Missouri and Arkansas.
As the needs developed and as you responded, we were able to help hurting families in critical parts of our world.
Did you know that our heart beats to help children? We shipped over $205k in gifts to hurting kids this year. Tens of thousands of items – which included, dolls, games, action figures, children’s reading books, coloring books and crayons, baseballs, softballs, bouncy balls, bicycles and 25,000 stuffed animals!
Our world’s children are the future and we place a high value on helping the most vulnerable among us.
Did you know our team of volunteers sewed, assembled and delivered 1,551 WINGS kits to young women in 11 countries in the first ten months of 2019? And, we expect to send an additional 790 kits by December 31st!
We are empowering women and providing a practical solution to a challenging problem. Our team of volunteers is incredible and they have a passion to make a real difference…and they are!
I could go on and on and on…but these are just a few of the projects we have been working on in 2019. I’m so thankful for everyone who has contributed in one way or the other. It is truly a team effort!
As we move into a special time of year with family and friends, I ask you to consider helping us finish 2019 strong. We have been expending resources at a rapid rate. We need your financial support to keep the goodwill going.
Perhaps you want to make a significant contribution on behalf of a loved one. Perhaps you want to bless others because of the way you have been blessed this calendar year. Perhaps you just want to give of yourself so others will be encouraged?
Whatever your desire, I ask you to considering Gleaning For The World this holiday season. We will use every dollar wisely and efficiently to do the most good.
I look forward to hearing from you this month!
In service and partnership,
