Dear friends and supporters,
We hope this message finds you well. Today, we come to you with a heartfelt request for your assistance in providing meals to our homeless community. Our vision is to establish a Sunday Dinner program, where we partner with a different shelter each month to serve warm, nourishing meals to those in need. Our goal is to reach 500 individuals every month, at a cost of just $7.50 per person. This means we need to raise $3,750 to cover the expenses for each month. However, we don't want to stop there. We dream of expanding this program to serve a different shelter every month, extending our reach beyond Chicago and into all of Cook County.
By doing so, we estimate that we can provide hot meal drop-offs to various known encampments, ultimately feeding 1250 people monthly. This would require a budget of $9,375 per month, which adds up to a total of $112,500 per year. The impact of this initiative would be monumental, providing warm meals and hope to over 18,000 individuals in need.
We recognize that hunger does not take a break, so we are also launching a lunch box program. Initially, we aim to provide $5 lunch boxes for 990 people each week, amounting to $4,950 per week.
When we calculate all these expenses, the total cost of our Meal Program for the initial year amounts to $309,900. However, our commitment to this cause remains unwavering, and we anticipate an ongoing budget of $442,400 per year thereafter, until the need for this service no longer exists.
Through our Necessities Back Pack and monthly ReUp Kits Program, we aim to make a tangible difference in the lives of the estimated 990 individuals and families currently living without shelter in our area. These back packs and kits contain vital items needed for daily survival and hygiene. With your help, we can ensure that these individuals have the essentials they need to face each day with dignity and hope.
The cost of each back pack is $25, and the ReUp kits cost $7 each. To reach our goal of distributing back packs bi-annually, we require a total of 990 back packs, amounting to $24,750. This means we need a total of $49,500 to cover the costs of the back packs for the entire year. Additionally, the monthly ReUp Kits cost $6,930 per month for 10 months, totaling $69,300.
When we add up these costs, the total needed for our back pack and Reup program is $118,800. We understand that this is a considerable amount, but we firmly believe that together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those less fortunate. Your generous donation, no matter the size, will help us provide a lifeline to those in need.
We would like to share with you the contents and costs of the items included in the back packs and the ReUp Kits:
$25 Backpack contents
1 Backpack -2.65
1 Water Bottle 1.25
1 Water Bottle Bag 2.75
2 Mylar Thermal Blanket 84" x 52" -1,26
6 Pair of Men's Socks Solid Colors Size 10 - 13 -2.00
1 Pair of Adult Winter Gloves -2.75
1 Scarf --90
1 Adult Knit Hat Beanie (Assorted Colors) -90
2 Biodegradable Moist Wipes -3.00
1 Disposable Rain Ponchos (Assorted Colors) -50
1 Pair of Hand Warmers -55
1 Pair of Feet Warmers -55
1 Body Warmer - 45
2 Fluoride Toothpaste - 1.55
1 Toothbrush -16
1 Toothbrush Cover -..10
1 Oz Shampoo -25
1 Conditioner -25
1 Oz Body Wash -..23
2 Deodorant Soaps -.40
1 Hair Comb -.10
1 Hairbrush - 1.25
1 Lip Balm -35
1 Face Towel .25
1 Deodorant -1.10
1 Resealable Bag -25
• Monthly drop of kits contents $7
• 1 Mylar Thermal Blanket 84" x 52" -.63
• 3 Pair of Men's Socks -1
• Biodegradable Moist Wipes -1.25
• 3 Pair of Warmers -1.55
• Deodorant -.55
• 1 Oz Shampoo -.25
• 1 0z Conditioner -.25
• 1 Oz Body Wash -23
• 1 Oz Body Lotion -.23
• 1 Bar Soap -.20
• 1 Face Towel -.25
• 1 Toothbrush -26
• 1 Toothbrush Cover .06
• 1 Toothpaste -.24
• 1 Lip Balm -.35
1 Resealable Bag -.25
We understand that times are tough for many, but we believe that together, we can make a difference. Your donation, no matter the size, will directly impact the lives of those who need it most. Your generosity will provide not only a warm meal but also a sense of dignity and hope to individuals experiencing homelessness.
Join us in our mission to alleviate hunger and provide comfort to those less fortunate. Together, we can create a community of compassion and support. To donate, please visit our website or reach out to our team directly.
Warmest Regards,
Terrence Wilson
President and Outreach Coordinator
Chicago Life Cares