A few letters have come in from recipients of our Valentine's Day Gift Cards program. Needless to say, being a part of this should give everyone some warm fuzzies (that's what my mom called that happy feeling you get on the inside, but I'm not sure if that's a real thing or just something my mom said). Anyways, enjoy. 
The following was sent to Mel at Mel's Charities:
Dear Tom,
This is just a quick note to tell you how grateful I am to receive the recent donation from the Thiensville- Mequon Rotary Club on behalf of Mel's Charities.
I am not sure you would have any idea what a lifesaver receiving this was for my daughter and I, and so I wanted to share a personal story with you.
These last few months have been financially challenging, this has been for a variety of reasons. However, I am certain my situation is much better than many others right now, so I do not mean to complain in any way. I just have had a bit of a rough "go of it" in recent months.
To help alleviate some of the extra debt I took on in this last year, a few weeks ago I took on a part time independent contractor job doing grocery delivery on the weekends. My daughter can accompany me, and we have fun with it. She is building some great skills with it too, so it is a big win for us to have an opportunity to make a little extra money right now while working together. It takes a while to get the hang of it though and so the earnings have been slow going, but I know they will get there soon.
With that being said, we came home Sunday after a long weekend of doing grocery delivery. I was exhausted and was nervously thinking to myself exactly how I was going to make it until the end of the week (payday). I had used all my gas doing the grocery delivery and had a couple medical appointments for my daughter coming up during the week. My bills were paid but I did not have much money left for groceries. I was worried that I might have to ask someone for help and was not sure who to ask.
I then went to sort through my mail expecting there to be a heap of medical bills, etc. to sort through. You can imagine my shock when I came across the Valentine's card from you. I could not believe it! It truly felt like a prayer that I had not said out loud was answered. It was an absolute lifesaver at exactly the time I most needed it.
I was so moved by the message in the card. I really try to set a good example for my daughter regarding work ethic and instill in her a passion to work hard no matter the task.
I just wanted you to know how very much this gift helped us bridge the gap and keep going. Thank you so very much! My promise to you is that I will give every bit I can back to Mel's, and let people know what a positive impact Mel's Charities and Thiensville-Mequon Rotary makes in our community. Thank you.
--
Best,
[Name Removed for Privacy]
This is just a quick note to tell you how grateful I am to receive the recent donation from the Thiensville- Mequon Rotary Club on behalf of Mel's Charities.
I am not sure you would have any idea what a lifesaver receiving this was for my daughter and I, and so I wanted to share a personal story with you.
These last few months have been financially challenging, this has been for a variety of reasons. However, I am certain my situation is much better than many others right now, so I do not mean to complain in any way. I just have had a bit of a rough "go of it" in recent months.
To help alleviate some of the extra debt I took on in this last year, a few weeks ago I took on a part time independent contractor job doing grocery delivery on the weekends. My daughter can accompany me, and we have fun with it. She is building some great skills with it too, so it is a big win for us to have an opportunity to make a little extra money right now while working together. It takes a while to get the hang of it though and so the earnings have been slow going, but I know they will get there soon.
With that being said, we came home Sunday after a long weekend of doing grocery delivery. I was exhausted and was nervously thinking to myself exactly how I was going to make it until the end of the week (payday). I had used all my gas doing the grocery delivery and had a couple medical appointments for my daughter coming up during the week. My bills were paid but I did not have much money left for groceries. I was worried that I might have to ask someone for help and was not sure who to ask.
I then went to sort through my mail expecting there to be a heap of medical bills, etc. to sort through. You can imagine my shock when I came across the Valentine's card from you. I could not believe it! It truly felt like a prayer that I had not said out loud was answered. It was an absolute lifesaver at exactly the time I most needed it.
I was so moved by the message in the card. I really try to set a good example for my daughter regarding work ethic and instill in her a passion to work hard no matter the task.
I just wanted you to know how very much this gift helped us bridge the gap and keep going. Thank you so very much! My promise to you is that I will give every bit I can back to Mel's, and let people know what a positive impact Mel's Charities and Thiensville-Mequon Rotary makes in our community. Thank you.
--
Best,
[Name Removed for Privacy]