December 8, 2010
Dear Friends: A client knocked on my office door yesterday and presented me with a rose. This is “thanks,” he said. Mike, the flower merchant on our street presented me with flowers. “I want to give you these,” he said, “because everyone says you’re so nice to them.” The “everyone” referred to DDB clients who chat with Mike as they walk by his flower stand before or after lunch. Mike was thanking me for helping others, making a kind of “thank you chain.” This is the season for giving thanks. Clients at Downtown Daily Bread are grateful to me for having their interests at heart; they are grateful to the cook for daily meals; they are grateful to the counselor for providing them with services; they are grateful to the volunteers for serving meals; and they are grateful to YOU. They know, along with the rest of us, that financial contributions keep Downtown Daily Bread afloat. Sadly, you cannot hear the “thank you’s,” but, know they are abundant. Last week “Jim” stopped by to thank the counselor for helping him get into a drug and alcohol treatment program. He told her,” You saved my life. How can I ever repay you?” She answered, “By staying straight.” “Beverly” came by to thank us for protecting her from a domestic violence situation from which she fled with her 6 month old child. “Wayne” made a dramatic entry into the soup kitchen wearing a new sport coat to show us how good he looked. “This is the first coat I bought myself since you helped me get a job” he said. If you have already made a contribution to Downtown Daily Bread, please accept our heart felt thanks. If you have yet to make your tax-deductible contribution, please do so in the spirit of the season. We can feed 50 people with a $25 donation; $100 people with a $50 donation, and so on. Although you cannot hear the words of gratitude from DDB clients, please know that they thank you from the depths of their hearts. Clients are generous with their thanks; we hope you can be generous with your help. Best wishes for a Happy, Healthy Holiday season from all of our clients and staff at Downtown Daily Bread. Sincerely, Elaine Strokoff Executive Director