Each year at this time, BPNN and other deserving organizations ask you to dig deep to help your neighbors. This year is like others, except that the need is greater than it has ever been. This year, we end a pandemic with record global and local inflation. Dollars don’t go as far as they did last year. For people on fixed incomes and living below poverty level, things are even tighter. The poor are always hit hardest in hard times. Some of our neighbors won’t have enough for their children to eat this winter. Some won’t be able to heat their homes. Others will lose their homes. Some will not be able to get health care they need.

“A hundred thousand men, coming one after another, cannot move a ton weight; but the united strength of 50 would transport it with ease.” George Washington

There are 1.6 million non-profit corporations in the U.S. Dane County has 7,248 of them. Still, there is hunger, illiteracy, disease, domestic and substance abuse, poverty, and more – all societal ills these organizations exist to eradicate. The optimist sees a world made better than it would be without non-profits.  The idealist seeks more by forming vibrant partnerships with others of like interest to efficiently expand our reach.

Thank you. You are BPNN.

This month that celebrates Volunteer Appreciation Week, and every month, I am deeply grateful for all you do. Your commitment is valuable. Your service is remarkable. It makes a difference. Know that. Always. You could do anything with your time, talent, and treasure. But you share them with BPNN in abundance. You truly serve the common good. You make Badger Prairie Needs Network unique – a 100% volunteer organization doing excellent work to fight poverty on a large scale.