There’s no two ways about it: The holiday season is BUSY. We know this, so to save you time and give you a few holiday gifting ideas, we’ve compiled the top ways you can support food banks like Food Bank of Wyoming this season of gratitude.
Right now, tens of thousands of our neighbors across Wyoming are being faced with impossibly difficult decisions due to the impact of inflation and the end of COVID-era benefits earlier this year. Often, those decisions revolve around where and how to spend hard-earned dollars: Do they buy enough food to nourish themselves and their loved ones or do they pay for rent? Do they buy gas to get to work or enough food for everyone in the household to have the nourishment they need to thrive?
Experiencing hunger at any time is difficult, but during the holidays it feels particularly cruel. With so many families, children, older adults, and individuals in Wyoming in need of support right now, your community needs you more than ever. Here are some ways to infuse your community with hope, food, and holiday cheer this season.
How can you help people facing food insecurity? Donate money to a food bank.
Every $1 donated helps Food Bank of Wyoming provide enough food for three meals to individuals experiencing hunger. Financial gifts of any amount fuel our programs such as Totes of Hope™, EverGreen Boxes™ for older adults, and Mobile Pantries for anyone who needs help making ends meet at any time. Donations also help us to reach more people in more places across Wyoming. As you reflect back on 2023 and look ahead to 2024, consider taking a moment to do good in your community and ensure that everyone has enough to eat throughout the holidays and beyond by donating today.
Give the Gift of Hope
Make your donation double as a gift for a relative, friend, or colleague by donating in their honor. You can also donate money to Food Bank of Wyoming in memory of someone. Our website makes it easy to send an e-card to notify the recipient (or their loved one) of your gift in their honor or memory, or even choose to have us send them a handwritten card!
Create a Virtual Holiday Food Drive
A virtual food drive is a great way to ensure your financial gift goes further because we’re able to take every dollar donated and use it to buy food at wholesale or lower costs. Make it a group bonding activity and ask loved ones, friends, and coworkers to join you! It’s effective, secure, and convenient to create a virtual food drive on our website.
Make it Monthly
Hunger is prevalent throughout our state year-round, not just during the holidays. Help us get closer to ending food insecurity throughout the year by making a recurring donation of any amount each month. Reliable support helps us plan and deepens your impact in the community. Make this a monthly gift and enjoy knowing that you’re making a difference for your Wyoming neighbors all year long.
Give Smart
Gifts of appreciated securities or qualified charitable distributions from your retirement account are tax-smart ways to support your neighbors facing hunger. When you give a gift of stock you avoid capital gains taxes. If you’re 70-and-a-half or older, you can donate up to $100,000 directly from a taxable IRA instead of taking your required minimum distribution. Please notify us when you initiate a stock transfer or an IRA gift so we can record and acknowledge your donation. Please contact Jill Stillwagon at jstillwagon@wyomingfoodbank.org or 307-232-4009 for more information. Learn more about smart ways to give today.
Leave a Legacy of Good
Remember us in your will or as a beneficiary on an account this holiday season and leave a legacy that will last for generations. By doing so, not only will you be leaving a legacy of generosity, but you’ll also be invited to join our Heirloom Circle! Your gift can be made as a percentage of your estate, or you can make a specific bequest by giving a certain amount of cash, securities, or property. Learn more about the benefits of making a charitable bequest by contacting Jill Stillwagon at jstillwagon@wyomingfoodbank.org or 307-232-4009.
Volunteer Your Time
If means are limited and you’re unable to donate money, consider volunteering with us. With the increased need for food in our community, your support is invaluable. Every day we need individuals and groups to help us provide food to people experiencing hunger. If you’re too busy during the holidays, we are always in need of volunteers, especially in January, February, and March!
Here at Food Bank of Wyoming, the holidays are about gratitude, and we could not be more grateful for your support. Every dollar donated in Wyoming stays in Wyoming. Thank you for nourishing our community and ensuring everyone has access to nutritious food for themselves and their loved ones. We could not do this work without you.
