Give Thanks with Giving

By Donna Bumgarner, CPA

Daylight savings time has ended, football season is in full swing the World Series is nearly complete—and our Attorneys, Bankers and CPAs Fallfest is just around the corner. There is still time to register for the Nov. 10 event. Of course, this also is the time of the year when we think most about Thanksgiving. Many of us look forward to spending time with family and friends and enjoying the typical feast which, for some reason, takes 12 hours to prepare, is consumed in 20 minutes and takes four hours to clean up.

Though the economy is beginning to recover, requests for help continue to grow at many nonprofit organizations that provide sustenance for people in our community. As food requests for individuals and their families increase, many organizations are challenged by a decrease in donations from large manufacturers and retailers who are tightening their belts.

Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” I am asking CalCPA members to consider donating a frozen turkey, stuffing mix or cranberry sauce this month to one of the many organizations that provide meals in our communities. You may already be aware of organizations in your local community, but here are two that you may want to consider:

Loaves & Fishes was founded in 1980 to help meet the needs of our local community’s families and seniors. It is committed to providing free, nutritious meals and support services in a dignified, safe and caring environment. The organization serves five meals each week at several South Bay locations to an average of 200 guests per meal. Donations can be dropped off 9:30 a.m.-noon, Monday-Friday, at InnVision’s Montgomery Street Inn; 358 N. Montgomery St.; San Jose.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties has provided services to the community for more than 35 years. This organization provides food to an average of 207,000 individuals each month. In addition, it operates community nutrition programs and a multilingual, toll-free hotline where callers can learn how to access the food programs in their neighborhoods. The organization takes pride that it can provide two nutritious meals for every $1 donated. Donations can be dropped off at the distribution center at 750 Curtner Ave. in San Jose.

Thank you all for your support and for helping me to give thanks with giving. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
— Donna Bumgarner, CPA

This entry was posted on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 6:02 pm and is filed under President's Message. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.