Throughout her life, Cheryl has been an administrative assistant and driven semitrucks for a living. She worked hard to retire at 62 and, for the past five years, has been making the most of her retirement.

However, the rising cost of living is making that hard to do for Cheryl and neighbors like her. From housing to groceries, prices only continue to increase, making it tougher and tougher to make ends meet each month.

Cheryl receives some income, but it doesn’t cover all of her necessary expenses. Even after she’s stretched her money as far as it will go, she doesn’t have enough for food that will keep her body healthy and full.

Cheryl is so relieved to have community resources like Cottage Pantry, the food pantry Viola and her team of volunteers on page 7 help run. There, Cheryl can get fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy, meat, and dry goods without falling behind on other important bills.

Just as importantly, Cheryl and neighbors like her receive hope when hope is hard to come by.

“I am…thankful that you help me feel like I have a life worth helping,” says Cheryl to donors like you. “It’s always nice to have a helping hand.”

This winter, Cheryl and neighbors like her will have enough food on the table thanks to your generosity. We are grateful to you for remembering Iowa’s most vulnerable community members.