As 2020 comes to a close, we are writing to ask for your end-of-year contribution to two great efforts: one for Rafah and the other right here in Dane County.
RAFAH
The economic situation in the Gaza Strip was already terrible due to the Israeli occupation and blockade. Lockdowns, curfews and other measures taken to combat COVID-19, while initially slowing the spread of the virus, ultimately worsened the situation. COVID-19 is rapidly spreading and more than 70% of the population is now reported below the poverty line.
MRSCP is therefore partnering with the Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA) to provide some of the poorest families in Rafah with fresh, nutritious food parcels. Each family will receive a food parcel with essentials like rice, beans, and lentils as well as fresh local produce and poultry. We are excited about this project because an estimated 20 small farmers and cooperative members will also benefit from providing the produce and locally-made packaged goods such as jam and maftool.
$40 provides one family with a 2-3 week supply of this food. Priority will be given to poor families that have disabled individuals or those with chronic diseases, and to female-headed households. More information on this project including a video and a description of the food parcel contents and selection criteria can be found at our website.
Donate directly online:
DANE COUNTY
Here in Dane County, besides straining our healthcare system, the COVID-19 crisis has swelled the ranks of the unemployed and working poor. Children may have lost access to school-provided meals. So this year, we are also asking you to support The River Food Pantry.
The River Food Pantry is Dane County’s busiest, offering free groceries, meals and mobile lunches to anyone who comes for help. Located in a warehouse on the north side, The River is surrounded by low-income neighborhoods and subsidized senior housing—exactly where they are needed the most. They provide a mobile lunch program for children and teens and distribute nutritious packed lunches in the neighborhoods on non-school days.
The River also provides a warm and welcoming family atmosphere where everyone is treated with respect, encouraged to find needed support, and given chances to share what they can with others. Serving over 1,000 Dane County families per week, The River handles over 50,000 pounds of food per week or about 2.7 million pounds each year. Over $1 million worth of clothing, furniture & household items are also distributed annually.
You can donate directly online at:
If you prefer to mail a check for either project, please see the addresses below. Mailed checks go 100% to the projects; online donations charge a small transaction fee. All contributions are tax deductible.
As always, we thank you for your support, and we wish you and your family health and good fortune in the New Year.
USPS MAIL DONATION ADDRESSES
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Rafah Food Parcels Project
c/o MRSCP
P.O. Box 5214
Madison, WI 53705
(Make checks payable to MRSCP with “Food” in the memo line)
The River Food Pantry
2201 Darwin Road
Madison, WI 53704
(Make checks payable to The River Food Pantry)