PACOIMA : Group Writes Letters Asking for Donations
A group that for 22 years has helped northeast San Fernando Valley residents in need is holding out its own hands in a letter-writing campaign.
“We’re in dire straits,” said Monica Cruz, business manager for Meet Each Need with Dignity (MEND). “I don’t know if it’s the recession or unemployment, but we aren’t getting donations like we used to.”
Last month, MEND, which provides food, clothing and health care services to low-income families and individuals, received only $3,000 in donations, a record low. The organization was forced to dip into its nearly depleted savings account to cover costs, Cruz said, which run about $23,000 monthly.
Cruz said the organization hopes to secure pledges for monthly donations to ensure a fixed monthly income, something the organization has never had.
The letters will target about 450 individuals and small business owners throughout the Valley and corporate charity directors from Los Angeles’ top 100 companies.
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