Dear John, These are uncertain times. There are deep needs to be met as communities across the country grapple with the destabilizing effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Everyone is doing their part to stay healthy and safe right now, and for us that means fighting harder than ever to protect everyone’s lungs from the toll of smoking and vaping in the midst of the unfolding crisis. We are also aware of immediate difficulties faced by so many, and we have been asking what we can do to give back. Today is #GivingTuesdayNow, an emergency response day of global giving to address the extraordinary need caused by the coronavirus. Though our needs remain great and our mission more important than ever, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is gladly joining in this day of giving to support our local community members directly impacted by COVID-19. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids family has been raising donations for the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) to address food insecurity in the Washington, D.C., area. Together, we have raised enough money to provide more than 25,000 meals for people in our community. Every show of support that helps someone in need is critically important, and when we combine our giving, we can have a tremendous impact together. In this spirit, and in response to the extraordinary need facing so many, we are asking our network of supporters to consider making a gift to combat hunger in their own communities. | |
D.C. Area If you live in the D.C. area, please consider contributing directly to the Capital Area Food Bank. CAFB covers the entire DMV region (D.C., Maryland and Virginia), is well-established, and has an excellent track record of helping our community when it is needed most. During this pandemic, the CAFB is now serving emergency meals for children at 16 different locations in Prince George's County and D.C. Every dollar donated to the Capital Area Food Bank provides 2.5 meals for people in need.
Communities Across the Country If you are elsewhere in the U.S, you can FIND YOUR LOCAL FOOD BANK and make a direct contribution. Collectively, this Feeding America network secures and distributes 4.3 billion meals each year through food pantries and meal programs across the United States. | |
As we learn more about the coronavirus, it is increasingly urgent that smokers and those using e-cigarettes understand their risk and are provided help in quitting. We have stepped up our efforts in a number of ways, including by providing critical Resources for Parents on the Protect Kids: Fight Flavored E-cigarettes website. These resources include videos featuring youth, parents, teachers, principals, and health care providers battling the youth e-cigarette addiction crisis. One of the newest videos (see below) features young people sharing in their own words what they wish parents would understand when they address nicotine addiction and vaping with their kids. We encourage you to watch the video, check out the resources and be sure to share them with others who might benefit. Video: What Parents Should Know | |
Thank you In closing, I want to express my deep gratitude to you for being a member of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids family. It is unusual for us to share an update like this; however, we feel it's really important to come together in support of those in greatest need during these extraordinary times. Wishing you continued health and safety, | |
