Stories

Why We Give: Smith Family

Why I Give

Our favorite time of the day is usually dinnertime, when we can talk about our days, what happened at school, and enjoy each others company. Families that do not have healthy food lose out on the opportunity to spend this valuable time together. MOM helps keep families together by providing food for every family that needs it. We support MOM so that every family can have a healthy family dinner together.

Why I Give: Jonathan, age 7

Why I Give

I give to MOM because food is really important. Instead of gifts for my birthday, I asked for frosting and cake mix to give to MOM—because I like my birthday to be a giving day. I really like thinking about other kids having happy birthdays because I shared. And it’s fun to drop it off at the pantry!

Why I Give: George Mavroulis, MOM Board Member

Why I Give

I have seen the positive impact that MOM has had on children and families for the past 27 years as an administrator in the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District. MOM's services provide the basic needs that many families do not have on their own. It is an honor to support and serve MOM and its mission to prevent homelessness and end hunger.

Why I Give: Tricia Nolan, MOM Board Member

Why I Give

The news, the politics, the divisiveness, the vitriol… sometimes it all seems pretty overwhelming. I fervently believe one thing everyone can agree on is that no child in our community should be hungry. I give to not only end hunger in our community, but I give to find common ground with neighbors and strangers alike.

Why I Give: Omar Rodriguez, MOM Board Member

Why I Give

As a first generation Mexican immigrant, raised by a single parent mother, I recall her often working two or three jobs to make ends meet. Although the love within our household was abundant, resources were often scarce. As a member of the MOM Board of Directors and Middleton Community, my family and I give to MOM in hopes of providing families with hope, joy and opportunity to break bread together, to create long-lasting memories. Through these acts, our children are also reminded of our humble beginnings, while experiencing the gift of giving and gratefulness for all of our blessings.

Why We Give: Terry and Bob Smith, MOM Volunteers

Why I Give

We give because Bob and I both grew up in loving houses where finances were tight. Our families were usually able to make ends meet, but just barely. We were so lucky they did. MOM is one of our favorite places to give, because they are so exceptionally good at connecting members of our community—those that have something to give (some time, financial support, a caring smile) with those that are in need.

Why I Give: Susannah Gustafson, MOM Board Member

Giving Tuesday • Why I Give

As a mom to three kids, I love to make meals that my kids want to eat. I can’t imagine what it would feel like as a parent to not be able to give your kids the healthy, tasty food they want and need. I give so that every parent in our community can provide food for their family, regardless of their circumstances.

Why I Give: Starr Grass Band

Siblings Lucas, Lucy and Laura are local musicians who use their talents to support MOM and make a difference for other kids in their community. They play music at the Westside Community Farmer’s Market, setting out a hat to collect donations as people pass by. Then they contribute what they raise to MOM. Here's why they do it.

Why I Give: Ruth Smith, MOM Volunteer

Why I Give

I have volunteered with MOM for the past eight years. Some of the people I help have chronic health issues or other persistent problems, but often I meet people who are working two jobs to make ends meet or who recently got laid off. MOM is here for all of them, and would be here for me if I needed that help.

Why I Give: Larry Barton

Why I Give

My company, Strang Architects, Engineers and Interior Designers, is proud to be associated with such a great organization. We know all of our donations are put to good use serving those who need our help in this community.