Food insecurity is increasing in our community.

As 2023 comes to an end, I am acutely aware of the profound challenges faced by many in the Madison area, particularly the pressing need for essential services like food pantry and free meal programs. The need is underscored with one statistic: This year CMC set an alarming all-time record for number of households served annually, achieving this milestone in October, with more than two months remaining in the year. In addition, the number of guests accessing CMC’s free meal program has doubled since the summer.
With increased food insecurity, more people turn to CMC to meet their needs.

That’s why I am writing you today – to ask you to make a year-end gift that will ensure that our neighbors have enough to eat well into 2024 and beyond.

The Need in Madison, WI:

Recent data from FeedingAmerica.org paints a stark picture of the situation. In some of the communities we serve, as many as 1 in 5 are food insecure. Families and individuals are navigating these challenges, confronting the winter months often without a reliable source of food.

Amidst these difficulties, allow me to share a powerful story that demonstrates the impact of your support. Alex, a former guest at CMC, recently returned to express his gratitude. Experiencing homelessness in Madison a few years ago, Alex found solace in the warm meals, food from the food pantry and toiletries from the Personal Essentials Pantry that CMC provides. In the spirit of our season’s theme, "Home for the Holidays," Alex emphasized that for many unhoused individuals, CMC offers much of what we all seek in a home: security, warmth, rest, peace, and the knowledge that it's a place to return to if one finds themselves in a time of need. Alex shared, "the work that CMC does for the community is essential, especially during the winter season, especially when other agencies are scaling back."

Your Urgent Support is Needed:
We reach out to you today with a sense of urgency because we need your support to meet the increasing demand for our services. Your donation will have an immediate and direct impact on the lives of those struggling in our community.

How Your Donation Helps:
Funding essential services: Your contribution will go directly towards funding essential services, including the provision of warm meals, twice-weekly food pantry and toiletries. Your gift will also help provide job search assistance, English language classes and immigration legal assistance.

Match Initiative:
To amplify the impact of your generosity, we have a special match initiative in place. All donations received before January 1st, 2024, will be matched dollar for dollar up to $24,000. This means that your support will be doubled, providing crucial assistance to even more individuals in need.

Ways to Give:
To give by check, please use the enclosed return envelope. To make your gift electronically, please use the QR code or website listed at the end of this letter.

We understand that not everyone can give financially at this time. However, you have more options than ever for making sure essential services are accessible to those in need. Consider alternative ways to make a difference, such as non-cash gifts like stock grants, Qualified Charitable Distributions from retirement accounts, giving through a Donor-Advised Fund, or including CMC in your estate plans. For more information on these ways to give, you can contact Becca Schwartz at 608-441-3247 or becca@cmcmadison.org

As we approach the end of the year, we implore you to consider the impact your support can make in the lives of those who rely on our services each day.

Thank you for being part of our journey, and for helping us continue to spread God's love through service and compassion.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Steve Maurice
Director
Catholic Multicultural Center

CMC Winter Appeal 2023-24

Please help the CMC to meet increasing need in our community.