I'm sure all of you who subscribe to the newspaper saw the article in Saturday's edition highlighting our organization and mission. A million thanks to Jon Sitler for making this happen! The article does a great job in explaining that we are not an "event" but a group of dedicated people working year round to help those in need in our community.  Jon kindly made the article available on their "free site" so you can share this with anyone. They don't have to subscribe. Here's the link:

http://www.timesobserver.com/news/community/2016/11/giving-through-hooktown-holidays/

Please feel free to like and share on Facebook. Also, leave comments below. We'd love to hear from you about why you chose Hooktown Holiday's for your support in 2016.  It's been an amazing year. And there is so much more to come. Stay tuned!

With deep gratitude,
Terry

Friends,

On this Thanksgiving day many of us can say we have much to be grateful for. Others cannot say the same. That’s were your support of Hooktown Holiday’s has made a difference in those lives. Giving to those who are in need and who will cherish that simple gift.

On behalf of Hooktown Holiday’s and our board of directors, please accept my personal thank you for your past support. You have touched the lives of the most vulnerable in our community. As we continue our efforts in 2016 and beyond, I am inviting you to join with us once again.

We are doing the right thing, we are making a difference in our community and we are here to stay.

I thought this would be the perfect time to share a note that we recently received from Saint Joseph’s Soup Kitchen.

From the soup kitchen volunteers:

“We use the money to purchase essential foods. We get a good deal from Erie Food Bank. The money you give us helps cover the main items not covered by other donations. It is very important for your help. We feed a lot of people and around the holidays and winter it is tougher for them. We do about 25 deliveries weekly to those can’t get to the soup kitchen.”

“Thank you,
God Bless you,
St. Joe’s Soup Kitchen”

From clients:

“I like the people and to socialize. I love the delicious food. Being at the soup kitchen makes me smile.”

“I come every week to get a good warm meal and usually food to go home.”


I hope your Thanksgiving day is filled with joy and that the days ahead bring more of the same.

Respectfully and gratefully yours,

Terry

Another surprise and a very welcomed one! Lions Gate Wealth Management, LLC has included Hooktown Holiday's in their holiday giving. They donate on behalf of their clients and we recieved a very nice Thanksgiving card announcing the donation to our organization. Lions Gate's main office is in Wexford, PA and they have a branch here in Warren. Here's a link to their website in case you would like to know more about them -  http://www.lionsgatewm.com/ .  I've also attached a copy of the announcement card they sent.

An enormous THANK YOU to Lions Gate for recognizing Hooktown Holiday's and supporting our mission to help those in need in our community!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Terry

Friends,
If you’ve been a long-time supporter or have checked out our HH Giving page, you know that one of the organizations we support is the Warren County United Veterans Council. We recently received a letter acknowledging your donations through Hooktown Holiday's that help support their efforts. We are one of several local organizations that helped them, help our local veterans, in 2016. I’ve attached an image of the letter so you can see, in their own words, how your donations are put to use. Your generous support throughout 2016 will allow us to again help out those who served our country.

I’ve lots more information and news to share during this Thanksgiving week and through the holiday season. Watch for new posts and please share, comment and like us on facebook.

As always, many thanks!
Terry

Friends,
Things sure are  jumping for Hooktown Holiday's! I’ve got many things to share. But first (and I’m sure most of you know this), no one was more surprised than me to find I was nominated for the line-up to be “elected” Grand Marshal of the Christmas Parade. I’m honored but it’s not about me, that is for sure. More importantly, it’s another step forward in solidifying Hooktown Holiday’s presence in our Warren area community. It’s all about our mission and you, our supporters, who bring that mission to reality.

It’s not clear when the voting ends but I assume there is still the opportunity. What I found out is that it’s difficult to find how to vote on line so here are some links to help. Please share with your friends, no matter who they would like to vote for.

Just to be clear, this isn't a campaign note to elect me, (I’m sure we’ve all had enough of campaigning!) Hooktown Holiday’s is already planned to participate in the parade.  I just thought it would be great if anyone who wants to vote can do it easily.

Here’s the link to the article in case you haven’t seen it and don’t know who the choices are:
http://www.timesobserver.com/news/community/2016/11/isnt-it-grand/

Here’s the link to the voting page:
http://extras.timesobserver.com/GrandMarshal/GrandMarshal.asp

 I have more to share is later posts.
Terry

Friends,
This year, on Tuesday, November 29, 2016, Hooktown Holiday's is participating in #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving.

Last year, more than 45,000 organizations in 71 countries came together to celebrate #GivingTuesday. Since its founding in 2012, #GivingTuesday has inspired giving around the world, resulting in greater donations, volunteer hours, and activities that bring about real change in communities. We invite you to join the movement and to help get out and give this November 29.

As you know, Hooktown Holiday's is a "grass-roots"  Warren community service organization born in a small neighborhood from a simple idea.  The idea... "Let's find a way to give to help those in need, focus on a singular mission and let's make it as easy as possible" By the end of 2016 you, our wonderful supporters, will have given over $60,000 back to the Warren community in just 3 years. And, every penny you give, is given back to the community. "Giving Tuesday" is the perfect time to consider those organizations that meet your own personal standard of where you want to help. We hope you will include Hooktown Holiday's.

It's easy to find your local charities that are involved. Visit https://www.givingtuesday.org/whats-happening-near-me and type in your  town and state. You will find links to the websites of the charities that are participating.  Hooktown Holiday's is one of them.  #GivingTuesday does not ask for donations. You can click on our link go to our website in order to find out how to participate.

Here's some more information about #GivingTuesday:

#GivingTuesday is a movement to celebrate and provide incentives to give—the 2016 iteration will be held on November 29, 2016. This effort harnesses the collective power of a unique blend of partners—nonprofits, businesses and corporations as well as families and individuals—to transform how people think about, talk about and participate in the giving season.

#GivingTuesday inspires people to take collaborative action to improve their local communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they celebrate and help create a better world.

#GivingTuesday harnesses the power of social media to create a global movement dedicated to giving around the world.

To learn more about #GivingTuesday participants and activities or to join the celebration of giving, please visit:
Website: www.givingtuesday.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GivingTuesday
Twitter: twitter.com/GivingTues

A million thanks for your support and may all of your holidays be the best ever!
Terry