PLEASE, remember the forgotten at Christmas!

Stock photo, not necessarily depicting homeless in VA.

Dear Friends and Family,

It is hard to believe that 5 years have gone by since Tom and I moved to Martinsville, VA. Even harder to believe is the continual rise in unemployment and poverty in this area.

This region of VA has a rich history rooted in furniture manufacturing including such companies as Hooker, Bassett and Stanley. Martinsville was once known as The Sweatshirt Capital of the World, and was home to America's largest contract embroidery company. Sadly, these companies, along with many others, have either closed altogether or moved their plants out of our country. Martinsville and Henry County are now known for having the highest unemployment rate in the state, currently at 19.7 percent.

Adding to the struggles of the unemployed is the fact that many people have seen their electric bills double within the last 5 years due to Appalachian Power Co. rate hikes. Unemployed and underemployed people simply lack the funds to adequately heat their homes. Yet, they are the lucky ones – at least in the eyes of the homeless here; earlier this year, Martinsville’s homeless shelter closed its doors.

Though the facts of life are tough for so very many here, the people are some of the finest I’ve met in my life. There is a true sense of community here, the type I used to only here as elders spoke of, “the good old days

when neighbors helped neighbors.” I’ve seen time and time again, people willing to give to others in need when they had virtually nothing to give. You’ve heard of the type of folks who would give you the shirt off of

their backs? These are the type of people I’m proud to say live here.

Local churches and individuals are launching programs to do what they can to assist the people in Martinsville and Henry County. I’m excited to say that Tom and I will be helping as our church begins feeding the homeless and others in need in January. And, recently I began a blanket program to purchase washable wool blend, American made blankets for the homeless and those who cannot afford to adequately heat their homes.

Mother Teresa said, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” It is with this philosophy in mind that I am asking those of you who can, to please consider making a donation of $12.66 to purchase one blanket. Should donations exceed the number of blankets needed, 100% of any remaining funds will be used for our church’s meal program.

This has been an extremely tough financial year for most of us. If you are not able to make a donation, would you please add the blanket and meal programs to your daily prayers? That would be a wonderful gift!

God bless,

Donna

Donations can be sent to:

Donna or Tom Pratt

P.O. Box 4669

Martinsville, VA 24115

Please make a notation on your check: Blanket Program

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