Thank You This Holiday Season

Nine tons of love—in the form of Snug Hugs—boxes, bags and a mountain of warmth was delivered to the Mitzi Friedheim Englewood Child + Family Center on a bitter cold December morning.  Hand-knit sweaters, caps and stuffed animals. One of our Trustees, Ray Munoz, carries forth a 26 year tradition of inspiring his Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops partners to mobilize communities so that children, youth and families will be warm this winter. They also presented a $20,000 donation so we can help our boys and girls year-round to realize their goals and dreams.

Of course the miracle of caring can be seen wherever we are—Granite City, Bloomington, Rockford and many places in between—you’ll find the hallways stacked with brightly wrapped gifts and the phenomenal energy of our staff and volunteers. Thousands of families, with kids of all ages, will feel that incredible thrill when they see they have presents to open this season.

When I look back at all we’ve accomplished this past year, it is astonishing.  Despite the extra strain caused by the state budget crisis, all of our staff, and you the donor, continue to be there for the children, youth, families and communities who depend on our caring, our skills, our determination and your generosity. Past traumas are healed and new futures are built every day. Our volunteers, boards, donors and community partners are inspired to be generous with their time, talent and treasure.

The good that each and every one of you makes possible ripples forward and makes the world a better place for all of us. Your ideas and creativity, your generosity, and your can-do spirit personifies what the Holiday Season celebrates, that is, the very best we can do and can be.

Thank you so much. Wishing you a safe, joyous holiday AND a fantastic, BEST EVER New Year!

Nancy

Nancy B. Ronquillo
President & CEO