Helping Families through RAH This Holiday Season

November 17, 2009

Members of the Rutgers Community:

The act of giving provides many benefits, both to ourselves and to our society. Altruism has been found to be an important part of wellness and a fuller life. By partnering with Rutgers Against Hunger (RAH) to donate food to those in need, you help to create a culture of compassion, caring, and kindness.

Many thanks to those who enthusiastically responded to the call to “adopt a family” through RAH. Nearly 200 families—double the number anticipated, with a total of 250 adults and 400 children—will gain from your generosity this holiday season.

With unemployment rates rising above 10 percent and 1.5 million workers expected to exhaust their unemployment benefits by the end of this year, much remains to be done. As winter approaches, the needs of our neighbors will become especially acute.

If you or your department has not adopted a family, you still have the opportunity to help those suffering from hunger and poverty. When shopping for your holiday dinners this season, please consider picking up extra items to donate to RAH for less fortunate families. RAH is partnering with local food pantries to create holiday baskets for the families they serve. Please visit the RAH website to get a list of items requested for the holiday baskets, as well as a list of locations to donate your items.

As a community supporting RAH for the past year, Rutgers has shared its energy, talent, and resources to help those in our neighborhoods who need it the most. I thank all of you for your continued support of RAH and for demonstrating the spirit of giving during this holiday season.

Richard L. McCormick
President
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey