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November Compassion Offering:
The ORUCC Thanksgiving Year-Round Fund
ORUCC has a long tradition of supporting our social services partners in their work with neighbors in need. Families in southwest Madison are being hit hard by high food costs, inflation due to tariffs, federal budget cuts, and skyrocketing rent. For the neediest ORUCC neighbors, any extra or unpredictable expenses can be a huge challenge. Illness, job loss, a car expense, or other costs can leave families with an urgent need.
For many years, ORUCC assisted families with gift cards and worked with Joining Forces for Families to get the cards to needy neighbors. In 2020, the ORUCC Thanksgiving Year-Round Fund was established to help support our neighbors with Woodman’s gift cards. Since that time, cards have been available throughout the year for emergencies and extra expenses, and have been distributed by staff from Joining Forces for Families (JFF), Children’s Wisconsin – Early Childhood Development, and other neighborhood partners. There is a need to replenish this fund to continue this vital support.
ORUCC member Loretta Swanson and Community Social Worker, Eric Alvin are our lead social services team who distribute the gift cards to individuals and families in the neighborhood. A $25 gift card can cover the cost of extra food needed while children are home during holiday breaks, partially fill a gas tank to allow travel for a job or for an interview, or provide supplies like emergency infant formula or over-the-counter medication. Holidays can present significant challenges for families who seek special items specific to a family’s culture or country of origin. These items will likely be more expensive this year due to tariffs. The cards also are extremely helpful to JFF and community partners in helping to engage and connect families with other services.
Given the state of the economy and the political environment in 2025, the need is expected to increase substantially. Please consider a donation to the Thanksgiving Year-Round Fund to provide direct support to families and individuals in our neighborhood. Your donation is truly appreciated, this holiday season and beyond.
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