Brighten A Life Prospect

Dear Friend,

2008 has been as difficult a year as I can remember. Gas prices soared, while the economy dwindled. Plant closings, layoffs, and cutbacks have lead to families losing their financial footing and slipping down the hunger slopes. This year we’ve seen donors who have been faithful in their support of the Food Bank suddenly in need of food assistance themselves. We’ve heard of a cancer patient fighting through recovery, but concerned only with mounting bills exhausting her money to feed her family. The elderly talk of the struggle of choosing between expensive medicines or full plates. These stories are real and taking place in our own backyards. But you can make a difference!

Brighten a Life this holiday season by giving the gift of hope.

Your generous gift to the Southwestern Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank will secure desperately needed meals for the approximately 100,000 hungry neighbors we provide food for each month. For every $1.00 you donate we will provide $6.00 worth of food to the elderly, children, and families who would otherwise experience hunger this holiday season. This could be the simplest yet most impactful gift you give. I thank you, and the thousands who will be fed through your generosity thank you, from the depths of our hearts. Very Sincerely,

Pamela Irvine, President & CEO Southwestern Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank

Brighten aLife and illuminate a soul this Holiday Season

Donations can conveniently and securely be made through "click and pledge." Visit our website at www.swvafoodbank.com

I want to give the gift of hope this holiday season. Enclosed is my gift of: __$500 __$250 __$100 __$50

I prefer to give $_____

Please Print Name:________________________________________________________________________________________ (Please print clearly) Email:______________________________________Phone:_______________________________________________________ (optional)

_____I have enclosed my check or money order made payable to the SWVA Second Harvest Food Bank Credit Card/Debit Card Gift(s)

_____I prefer to use my: _____Visa _____MasterCard _____American Express (minimum donation of $15 is requested for credit card donations due to processing fees)

Card #_____________________________Exp. Date:____/_____/_____Signature:__________________________

See back for special honorarium and memorial opportunities.

Honor someone you love this holiday season with a gift to Brighten a Life.

Last year over 4,000 lights twinkled on our Tree of Hope, honoring your loved ones and representing your support of our neighbors and friends struggling with hunger. Due to the overwhelming response last year and this years increase in need, we have set a goal to light five of the majestic pines that stand in front of the Food Bank as a beacon of hope during the holiday season.

Brighten aLife and illuminate a soul this Holiday Season

In the holiday spirit of celebration, compassion and sharing, you are again invited to view our “Trees of Hope” at the Southwestern Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank, 1025 Electric Road, Salem.

Please help light the Trees of Hope by making a contribution of $100 or more in honor or in memory of a special friend or loved one. Your taxdeductible gift will help SWVA Second Harvest Food Bank provide nutritious food to hungry children and adults in our community.

A Brighten a Life gift is a wonderful way to recognize family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, teachers, and others during the holiday season. We will acknowledge your gift and notify the person or family you are remembering with a beautiful seasonal card featuring a lovely painting donated by local artist Tracy Budd.

All donations received before November 21 will be printed in the Brighten A Life lighting ceremony program held on December 2nd at 8:00 pm.

Honorees will also be recognized on our website and in the next Food for Thought newsletter. Please notify us if you prefer no listing.

To Brighten A Life by honoring or remembering a loved one with a donation today, simply complete the form below.

Salem Branch 1025 Electric Road Salem, VA 24153 (540) 342-3011

Appalachian Branch P.O. Box 2579 Abingdon, VA 24212 (276) 628-9266

Order Form:

Alleghany Highlands Branch P.O.Box 481 Covington, VA 24426 (540) 962-6328

Financial donation questions? Call Amy Milberger @ 540-342-3011 ex 26 Food donation questions? Call Kitty Tabor @ 540-342-3011 ex 19

Note: If you have more than one Memorial or Honorarium, this form may be duplicated. Make check payable to: SWVA Second Harvest Food Bank Brighten A Life Mail to: 1025 Electric Rd. Salem, VA 24153. Please send Thank-you card to:

Donor's Name (s):____________________________________________________Phone:______________________________

Address:________________________________________________City:____________________State:_______Zip:__________ My donation of $_________to SWVA Second Harvest Food Bank is enclosed. ___ In Memory of Name:_______________________________________ ___ In Honor of Name:_______________________________________

Please send Gift Notification Card to: (one card per donation please) Name (s):_________________________________________________________Phone:_________________________

Address:________________________________________________City:____________________State:_______Zip:__________