May 2010

The Covington Outreach Association (COA) was organized in 2005 to serve as a vital resource for emergency food and financial assistance for Covington residents in need. In September, 2006, we received approval from the Internal Revenue Service to operate as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3). This designation allows us to compete for grant funds and allows our donors to fully deduct their contributions to our organization.

We are truly blessed that a village of our size can offer such care and compassion for our neighbors. At our food pantry, located in the basement of the Church of the Brethren, a family can make their own selection of their favorite foods, and receive a local store voucher for fresh meat and dairy products. COA also helps our neighbors faced with utility shut-off notices and rent eviction notices so that families don’t have to choose between paying a bill and putting food on the table for their children.

In 2009, COA contributions in food and cash donations totaled over $85,000 and volunteers logged over 3,000 hours. These blessings helped provide food and emergency financial assistance for nearly 1,500 people in more than 160 families. Our Back2School Program provided backpacks and supplies to 80 children to ensure a fresh start for the new school year. At Christmastime, our churches organized a gift program including food boxes for families to spread the spirit of Christmas to 149 children in 63 families (a 48% increase from the previous year) and 75 Covington Care Center Residents. Senior Citizens of Covington enjoyed participating in monthly events held several times during the year. The COA also became an Ohio Benefit Bank location in 2009.

Our neighbors, and our organization, need your help. COA is a safety net that can keep friends and family from falling through the cracks. Please consider donating some of your time or money so that we may continue to do the Lord’s work. All funds raised remain local, and we operate under the leadership of Executive Director Cindy Miller with very low Administrative costs. Thank you for your time and consideration.

According to the USDA, food prices in the U.S. increased 1.8% in 2009, with a forecast of 2.5% to 3.5% for 2010. Since our inception, COA sees an average of ten to twelve families per week for assistance. Please take this time to contribute to our annual fund raiser to ensure our work can continue; to ensure your neighbors do not fall through the safety net. From the bottom of our hearts, and on behalf of all our community members in need, we thank you for helping us help others.