Greetings!
In a year of challenges and obstacles, a year of worry and hopelessness, you made a difference in the lives of thousands. You stood up for and with Mittens for Detroit as we faced our hardest year ever as a nonprofit. We - like so many of you - had to make accommodations and adjustments, and we had to shift from being a community organizing nonprofit to fundraising day after day, week after week. You were the wings beneath our wings as we faced this challenge, and we cannot thank you enough.
The pandemic changed everything for MFD this year. When the writing was on the wall in March and April, our Board of Directors talked about our options. Should we take a break for a year, or limit the number of Distribution Partners, or fundraise like crazy to try to purchase every pair that we would need? None of it felt right because we are so used to doing our work with YOU involved directly. Knowing that we had to cancel our annual and summer fundraisers was hard to deal with. How could we raise enough money? With COVID-19, how could we sort the pairs without The Big Sort volunteers?
In early June, we surveyed our Collection Partners to see if they would commit to hosting collection bins. Most said that they could not. We asked our Distribution Partners about whether they really needed the pairs of new mittens and gloves - the answer was a passionate and resounding YES, that over the years they have come to look forward to receiving the pairs and that it helps their budgeting so greatly.
To say that we were faced with one challenge after another is an understatement... including having our checking account hacked in March by a check counterfeiting forger! (For real.) As a one-person operation working with an awesome board, hours had to be cut. There were more questions than answers.
As things kept getting darker, little bits of light started shining in. A box of handmade mittens from New Mexico, $100 donation raised by some 2nd grade Girl Scouts. A huge sale at Kohl's that allowed us to purchase expensive men's gloves for a few dollars each. A couple of new foundations found us, and some of our Collection Partners decided to set up their own boxes. Groups that had participated in The Big Sort decided to do online fundraisers - and several folks ran Facebook fundraisers... folks who we had never heard from before. Every week something bright appeared and more encouragement was received.
It's because of YOU and your support that we have made it through this year. You have always been the reason that we have been able to warm the hands of tens of thousands of people in need. As of today, we have boxed up and distributed nearly 9,500 pairs... AND we have kept the lights on and the doors open. Again, we cannot thank you enough for your support. Will we get to the 32,000 pairs we usually distribute? No, we won't - but our goal was to get to 10,000 pairs during the pandemic... and we know we will beat that goal.... because of you and your care and concern for others.
Boy, I do not like writing fundraising letters... especially when I know that you have had your inbox filled with appeals. So I'll make this part short - we really hope you can help us. Here are a couple of ways...
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Please donate again before the end of February. Think about increasing your donation by 10% or $10 (or more). We need and appreciate your help. We know that you have many causes that you love to support - and we hope that you will consider helping Mittens for Detroit once again by clicking bit.ly/Donate_MFD
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Think about becoming a Handwarming Hero with a monthly donation of $10 or more, helping us to be able to plan our budget and grow our operations more securely. The amazing Handwarming Hero donations helped us pay the rent this year, when fundraisers could not happen. This ongoing support is incredible - and we hope you will join us by donating at bit.ly/HandwarmingHero
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Do you know that part of the CARES Act allows everyone to deduct $300 in charitable giving this year, even if you don't itemize? The federal government understood the hit that nonprofits would take this year, and they wanted to make it easier for you to help your favorite charities and benefit yourself. Ask your tax preparer for more information. Here's an article, if you want more information: "Do You Qualify for a $300 Tax Deduction under the CARES Act"
Mittens and gloves are essential items of clothing, not accessories. And you are essential to Mittens for Detroit. It is truly amazing what people can do when they work together to help each other. You are leading by example, and we cannot thank you enough.
Thank you from Mittens for Detroit's Board of Directors and from all of the folks who have warmer hands.... all because of you!
Stay safe and healthy,
Wendy Shepherd
Executive Director, Mittens for Detroit
Wendy@MittensForDetroit.org • Phone: 313-727-6336
Celebrating 10 Years of Warmth! • Giving Warmth is Cool!
