Donors, You DO Make a Difference

It's been a little while since I've written anything. I spend more time doing microblogging with Twitter and trying to stay on top of so many activities. But something really struck me this week, and I just had to share.

This last year and a half has really seen a downturn in our donations from individuals and businesses. So much so that I only check our mailbox every other week anymore. It's caused us to decrease the number of intakes each month, and I'm paying more out-of-pocket expenses for food and miscellaneous supplies. It's sad for me to have to say no day in and day out to people sending us information on pets needing our help. But I see that the guilt is not only on my end; donors feel bad, too.

I checked our mailbox on Monday to find three pieces of mail. I didn't open them, I just stuck it on the passenger seat in the truck and headed back to the office. Like I always do, I put the mail on my desk to be sorted through during my "office hours" on Sunday. But last night, for whatever reason, I decided to go ahead and open a few letters. I was ecstatic to find a few donations, but saddened at the same time to read the accompanying notes:

"I'm really sorry it couldn't be more. You all do such great work."

"I appreciate all you did to help me find my dog. I know it's not much, but maybe one day I can send more."

The donations were $25 and $10 respectively, and I couldn't have been more grateful. I have been down the road a few times where I couldn't even find $10 to put gas in my car to make it to work (back when it was under $1 a gallon). For these people who are obviously struggling themselves to still find a way to help others, it just absolutely warms my heart.

In a day when I see 20 Twitters a morning about stopping at Starbucks and knowing what that costs, then thinking what these donors have sacrificed to help our pets, I can't help but feel admiration for them. It may have seemed like such a small amount to them, but it really matters a lot to me.

So to those donors, I say thank you, not only for helping us to help our pets, but for reminding me that every little bit really does make a difference.