May 2011

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 non-perishable and frozen foods along with a local store voucher for a gallon of milk. 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 2010, COA contributions in food and cash donations totaled over $115,000 and volunteers logged over 3,000 hours. 90% of all donations go back to the community to support low income families of Covington. These blessings helped provide food and emergency financial assistance for 1,729 people in over 175 families (an increase of 50% over 2009). Our Back2School Program provided backpacks and supplies to 105 children to ensure a fresh start for the new school year along with school fees when needed. Senior Citizens of Covington had an opportunity to participate in Bingo or Euchre events several times during the warmer months of the year. Thanksgiving meals were offered to 60 families working in conjunction with Christian Life Center of Piqua and their main campus in Vandalia. At Christmas time, our churches organized a gift program including food boxes for families to spread the spirit of Christmas to 155 children in 62 families. 250 Christmas cards made by Covington school children were sent to Covington Senior Citizens, 19 Covington Senior Citizens received gifts and 79 Covington Care Center Residents were remembered at the holidays last year.

Our fund raising goal for 2010 was $85,000. COA is a safety net that can keep friends and family from falling through the cracks. 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 2.5% to 3.5% in 2010 with more increases predicted for 2011. The COA sees an average of 60 families a month for assistance.

From the bottom of our hearts, and on behalf of all our community members in need, we thank you for helping us help others.