What inspired you to become a monthly donor?

My husband and I used to donate annually, but during COVID we realized we were traveling much less and spending less on ourselves. Around the same time, we were seeing how many local families and businesses were struggling unexpectedly. We decided we could redirect some of that money into helping support people in our own community and nearby communities in a more consistent way.

Becoming monthly donors also felt practical and meaningful because it gives Self Help a more dependable source of support instead of having to rely entirely on grants and fundraising efforts. Monthly giving helps create stability for the organization, which in turn helps create stability for the people they serve.

Why is supporting Self Help important to you?

What matters to me is that Self Help assists hardworking people who suddenly find themselves facing an overwhelming situation. Many families live paycheck to paycheck, and one unexpected event — illness, loss of work, a heating bill, or even the sudden death of a loved one — can create a real crisis.

I remember hearing about one family that needed help paying for a pine casket after their child died in an accident. Moments like that stay with you. In times of grief or hardship, people should not also have to carry the fear of how they will survive financially.

I appreciate that Self Help steps in quietly and compassionately during those moments.

Is there anything else you’d like people to know?

I think many of us underestimate how quickly life circumstances can change. Most people who need help are not irresponsible or unwilling to work — they are simply human beings going through difficult moments. Even small monthly donations can make a real difference because they allow organizations like Self Help to respond quickly when emergencies arise. To me, supporting our local and nearby communities in this way feels like a meaningful expression of caring for one another.

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​​Mohini and John, monthly donors