Thankfully Living . . .

We’re particularly happy about one recent donation because it benefits the donor as well as Mission Granbury. It’s the donation of stock and it’s a win-win situation: Mission Granbury gets a nice contribution to help support our programs, while donors can write off the gift and avoid paying capital gains taxes on the stock gains. It’s a great way to re-balance your portfolio in a tax efficient way – and make a meaningful gift at the same time. Whether it’s Mission Granbury or another of Hood County’s non-profits, now is the time take action if you want the tax advantage.

The Live Thankfully event, gently guided by Dr. Dave Purczinsky and his wife Dana, who work with the area schools to collect, sort and distribute an enormous amount of food for our pantry is vital to our food pantry program. The non-perishable items collected through this massive food drive helps supply our pantry for eleven months. An army of energetic young people, MG staff and volunteers converge in the Mission Granbury lobby for a “Party with a Purpose,” where 500 bags of food are assembled and distributed. It’s awe inspiring to see in motion!

The Marines delivered eight pallets of toys last Friday afternoon from their annual toy drive, making us all believe in Santa Claus! Toy distribution to CASA children, shelter children and families who missed the Hood County Christmas for Children registration begins next week.

Our Angel Tree project, hosted by All Creatures Animal Hospital in Granbury contained the names of over 20 senior citizens. In addition to the gifts provided by the Angel Tree donors, the Granbury Association of Realtors raised $800 to purchase turkeys for these and other Christmas Food Baskets.

Big thanks to Perfectly Posh, Stephens of Granbury and The Bake Shop for including Mission Granbury in their promotions.

With every kind gesture, every dollar donated and every volunteer hour worked, I’m reminded how fortunate we are to live in such a caring community. On behalf of all Mission Granbury staff, volunteers and Board of Directors, we wish you a joyous Holiday, blessed Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

A couple of months ago, I was selling raffle tickets at Kroger for a fund raiser when I noticed a small, neatly dressed woman in her sixties who appeared to be hanging out, waiting for the crowd to clear. When it did, she quietly approached the table, leaned down slightly and half whispered, “I don’t know what I would have done without Mission Granbury.” She told me how she and her husband moved here last summer and before they could get completely unpacked, he had a massive stroke and was hospitalized for over a month. The medical bills were devastating, emergency transport, prescription copays, trips to hospital and then rehab, you get the picture. She was devastated, financially and emotionally. Then someone who saw her desperation told her not to worry, “we have Mission Granbury and they can help you.” And we did. She was able to get food, personal hygiene and other household supplies for several weeks, freeing up her own income for rent and utilities. She was so grateful. Hers is not the only like that, but it’s the one I was blessed to hear that Sunday afternoon. It made me proud to be part of an organization that does such good work.

Without the ongoing support from our community, we couldn’t provide any of these services. That support is even more evident this time of year!