FOOD DONATIONS NEEDED

Access to nutritious food is the foundation of stability, and today, more families in our community are struggling to meet that basic need. Our Food & Friendship program continues to be a lifeline, but the demand has never been higher.

Last year alone, food requests increased by 25%, even as our supply of pantry staples like rice and beans was cut in half. This left a critical gap in the everyday essentials families depend on.

Each month, we distributed more than $41,000 worth of fresh, healthy food, ensuring families could access nourishment with dignity and without barriers. But rising need and reduced allocations mean we cannot sustain this level of support without community help.

Right now, your gift can directly fill shelves, restock essential staples, and ensure no family is turned away. We are committed to expanding our food support network, but we cannot do it alone. Donate today to help close the gap and provide reliable, nutritious food to families who need it most. Together, we can meet this moment with compassion and action.

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As we enter this season of gratitude, all of us at St. Francis Center want to extend our warmest thanks to you, our community of supporters, partners, and friends. Your generosity, compassion, and encouragement make it possible for us to stand alongside individuals and families in North Fair Oaks and the surrounding communities every single day.

In a year marked by unpredictability, including cuts to SNAP benefits and other safety net supports, many of our neighbors are facing even greater uncertainty. These changes have placed added strain on families who were already working hard to make ends meet.

Your support has allowed us to meet these challenges with steady hands and open hearts. Just as I was writing this letter, I received a call from a librarian at the Redwood City Library. He asked if we had any warm clothes for an unhoused man who had just had all of his belongings stolen. I was not sure what we had on hand, but I told him to send the gentleman over, and we would do everything we could. I sent several volunteers on a mission to gather warm clothing and food. When the man arrived shortly afterward, he was incredibly grateful for the items we were able to provide.

This simple moment captured the heart of who we are: a Village ready to step in, ready to help, and always ready to show compassion and care to someone in need.

As Thanksgiving approaches, we hope your holiday is filled with peace, warmth, and the company of loved ones. Please know how deeply grateful we are for your partnership and belief in this shared mission. Each act of compassion that you make possible, large or small, creates a ripple of hope throughout our Village and beyond.

Thank you for being a part of the St. Francis Center family. We look forward to continuing this important work together in the months ahead.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Kate Young