Dear Friends of ECCO,

With the holiday season upon us, I want to THANK YOU for your tremendous gifts of support over the past year. 2020 has been challenging for all of us in one way or another. For many of our clients who were already struggling before the pandemic, it has been yet another setback in their long journey to self-sufficiency. And for the several hundred families who never imagined needing to turn to a place like ECCO for help, it has been disheartening.

But even in the midst of so much need, there has also been a great deal of joy. Every day I have the chance to see human kindness and compassion in action as our community rallies around those who are struggling to make ends meet.

• Neighborhoods, churches, businesses, schools, and organizations are hosting record numbers of food drives to support ECCO’s Wellness Pantry. 
• An unprecedented 331 new donors have contributed to our Annual Fund since July ensuring ECCO will remain open to provide help and hope to those in need.   
• We have provided $370,000 in financial assistance for families directly impacted by the pandemic. 
• 64% of these households receiving rent, mortgage, or utility assistance since March are brand new to ECCO. 
• 74% of the total number of these households have received multiple months of assistance. 
• Over 190 families enrolled in our annual Adopt-a-Family holiday program. As a result, 420 children will be experiencing the magic of Christmas, due to the support of so many selfless people in our community like you.

Working at ECCO is the reason I “Believe There is Good in the World.” I am humbled by the generosity of this community and honored to live and work among so many people who choose to “Be the Good.” Because of you, ECCO has continued to serve the community during this pandemic by adapting our processes to ensure the safety of all.  ECCO’s COVID response will be an important part of the organization’s 31-year history and serve as a catalyst for the future.

If you have not yet made a gift to the FY20-21 Annual Fund, I would ask you to consider doing so today. Your gift will help to fight food insecurity in our community, keep our neighbors’ lights on in their homes and roofs over their heads, and provide high-quality medical and dental care to those without insurance.

Whether you are celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, or Kwanzaa, I hope your holidays will be brighter knowing that the good you do in our community is the reason so many can believe there is good in this world.

Wishing you and yours a safe and happy holiday season,

Stephanie M. Kelley
Executive Director