Past Newsletters

Invitations have been out for weeks, plans have been months in the making, and tonight is the night for ACO’s Big Birthday Bash! It will be THE party of the year, and I’m hoping that you’ve all purchased your tickets and will be there. (If not, there’s still time if you hurry- read below.)

We’ll be decked out in our 1980’s garb (yes, I was one of the blue eyeshadow wearing, big hair teens of the 80’s) and we will be dancing to all our favorite tunes from our proms and that we played on our car stereos. The food and drink will be fabulous, there will be fun silent auction items for bids, and a big dance-off for those willing to show off their moves.

Homelessness. It’s a word in our mission statement: “Preventing Hunger and Homelessness…” It’s also a reality we see on the news and on our streets. But the real question is—what are we doing about it?

On a recent trip to Portland, Oregon, I was struck by the overwhelming number of people living under bridges and downtown. I watched a driver ahead of me hand cold bottles of water to homeless individuals at a highway on-ramp—an act of kindness on a hot day. But while compassionate, it didn’t solve the deeper issue.

Some of you may have already heard this story, but I wanted to share one of my most embarrassing moments with you. I donated my mother-in-law to ACO! Let me explain.

I married a wonderful man ten years ago. Five years into our marriage, we finally moved into a larger home. Like any big move, we began the huge task of packing—and of course, sorting what to keep and what to donate. In the midst of that chaos, one item I didn’t recognize—a decorative piece that looked like a Greek column garden ornament—was placed in the “donate” pile.

We’ve all felt that tug at our hearts — maybe it’s a commercial showing a shivering dog in the snow or a child’s tearful plea. For me, it’s those sad puppy eyes that make me want to donate on the spot. For my husband, it’s anything related to veterans. We all have our causes, the ones that move us to give.

In fact, 69% of Americans donate to charity, according to NonprofitSource.com. Even more — 84% — say they prioritize giving to local organizations. While national nonprofits do important work, it’s local agencies like ACO that are on the frontlines, helping neighbors in need and creating real change right here at home.

…In a land not so far away, leaders in Allen recognized a need in the community and had the foresight to provide services for neighbors facing crisis situations. Gary Rodenbaugh recalls a group of community-minded individuals gathered around a kitchen table, discussing the lack of resources in their growing community.

These services included essential items such as clothing. From those conversations, Allen Community Outreach (ACO) was born. A nonprofit organization was formed, complete with a Board of Directors. Bob Williams served as ACO’s first President —40 years ago.

As I sit down this morning to write this message, one thing keeps crossing my mind—I’m hungry! I can’t quite remember if I skipped breakfast (a habit I’m trying to break), but I think I grabbed a protein shake on the way out the door. Either way, my hunger makes me start thinking about tonight’s dinner plans too. Should I cook tonight, or are we eating out? Can you relate to wandering thoughts of food like I do?