AIO Early Bird Challenge
Double Your Impact—Your donation will be matched
Dollar-for-Dollar when you give by November 21st.
It has been a big year for AIO as we celebrated our 35th anniversary, experienced yet another level of astounding growth of more than a 67% increase, and expanded our programming to include a weekly Home Delivery Service now serving 95households/week, and a summer Weekend Meals program partnering with the local libraries acting as distribution hubs.
With your help AIO serves about 12% of Knox County residents through six primary programs, which include our Energy Assistance Program.
Along with fundraisers and grants, we rely on two appeal campaigns for our funding. Our Fall Appeal accounts for 1/3 of our annual budget, accordingly, this year our target is $500,000 and ensures we are funded through the cold winter months.
With a new administration and shifting federal support, the past several months have been challenging for our community. Just last week, it was announced that SNAP (food stamps) payments will be suspended for November. For Knox County, this will affect about 1,900 households or 4,000 people, reducing their income by about 15% for the month. For this part of our community, monthly finances are always a juggling act with decisions about which bills to pay. Losing SNAP would be a hard loss in any month, but given how important food is to Thanksgiving traditions, it will be an extra tough month for many.
Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, we have received a $120,000 matching gift challenge. Your help now will have double the impact.
Will you consider making a donation between now and Friday, November 21st so we can unlock this gift?
There is no doubt we make a difference, you make a difference, in the lives of many in our shared community as conveyed in this recent thank you letter from an AIO member:
Dear AIO,
I utilize the AIO Food Pantry. Today, the presence of the outstanding meals from the school (Mid Coast School of Technology), meant far more than food: a matter of sustenance for soul and spirit. Today was the Broccoli Alfredo - Three Cheese Raviolo, with garlic bread. I cannot imagine a restaurant around that could match its quality and flavors. (An understatement to say, "Thank you.")
Oftentimes, as is not infrequent with many people, a sense of hunger is unable to motivate attempts at food preparation. But today was a true respite. A veritable feast. Need I mention the pastries and baked goods specifically? Gifts. They are gifts.
Again, I am grateful that the Midcoast School of Technology's bounty is shared with AIO. I rarely reference "blessing," but that is, indeed, the appropriate sentiment, changing dark days into sunshine.
Very sincerely —AIO member
When you make your donation online today you can be assured that your dollars will go to work right away, ensuring members who visit AIO receive the assistance they need.
Will you join in helping the community with a gift today?
Thank you so much and good wishes to you.
Alan Kearl, Executive Director
Please join our Early-Bird Challenge and double your impact.
We’ll do our part and put your gift to work right away,
supporting families with food and heat assistance.