Gifts of Hope 2021:
Final Numbers Include Some Great Surprises
2021 Gifts of Hope contributions total $92,863 from 110 donor families and individuals!
Ascension’s 2021 alternative gift campaign to support needy peoples, both foreign and domestic, received the highest total donation amount in our annual Gifts of Hope program since 2014. Many of the gifts received were general, and were distributed evenly between the various programs. The projects supported and amounts allocated were as follows:
Malagasy Church (Madagascar) Social Ministry and Medical Relief Programs – $42,246 from 78 donors
The support provided will pay for semester-long vocational training for 29 individuals and vocational training supplies for 139 students, as well as school fees for 191 elementary school children. It covers the costs of over 350 food packages for needy elderly. It will pay for over 80 nurses to attend specific job-related seminars, and cover the costs for 30 women to receive training as midwives, as well as the costs to deliver over 50 babies.
New City Parish Youth, Food and Job Development Programs – $29,089 from 67 donors
Youth Programs – $11,080 from 42 donors
Attend ELCA Youth Gathering – $2,750 received
Provide money for post-secondary scholarships – $3,400 received
General support, including staging and attending social justice forums – $4,930 received
Food Programs – $8,364 from 49 donors will support purchase of groceries and meals for the needy.
Job Growth – $9,645 from 35 donors. Diverse activities including career fairs, job skill training and supplies for an existing sewing program.
God’s Global Barnyard (ELCA World Hunger) – $21,128 from 75 donors
This perennial favorite found support for all categories of animals. Nine donors provided $715 each for the purchase of the animals and grain for 9 family farms. Among the specific animals, goats once again were the most popular, with 37 donors providing individual support.
Other Contributions – $400: Sometimes we receive Gifts of Hope donations for programs other than those stated in the campaign. One donor provided money to support immigration services and homeless shelters. We encourage giving from the heart, and do our best to find worthy organizations representing those interests.