Hello everyone,
I know it's been awhile since I've reached out, but I hope you'll take a moment to read this email -- because it's very important.
Texans need your support.
You've seen the news that unusually severe storms have left millions without power, running water, food, and the ability to stay warm.
My family and I struggled last week with intermittent power, but we were luckier than most. We've heard stories of entire apartment complexes with parking lots full of shivering people in idling cars. It may be days before some of these Texas families get their power back. When I think back to the times I was homeless or housing insecure as a child, I'm not sure my family could have survived these circumstances if they'd experienced them today.
I want to thank national leaders for raising awareness and funds for Texans in need. But there is one organization in my community -- Metrocrest Services -- that is on the front-lines of the relief effort here in North Texas but is struggling mightily to keep up with the need.
So today, I am humbly asking if you will make a contribution to support local families in my community. 100% of your donation to Metrocrest services will go directly to work feeding hungry children, putting families in motels with water and power, and keeping seniors warm with utility assistance.
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I've spoken personally with leadership at Metrocrest services. Many of the families they serve are already struggling to retain self-sufficiency as result of the pandemic.
For many, losing groceries due to a power outage isn't just an inconvenience -- it's a downward spiral to homelessness.
As a kid there were days when school lunch was the only hot meal I had that day. For children whose primary source of nutrition is school lunches, the unexpected week-long school closure has been devastating.
To help children in urgent need of food, Metrocrest Services partnered with Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District to provide extended food pantry hours on Saturday, February 20. They saw an unprecedented demand for food, with lines around the block for hours.
Friend, millions of dollars have poured into Texas -- and I'm incredibly grateful for that. But we cannot leave behind local organizations on frontlines like Metrocrest. If you circumstances allow it -- please make a contribution of any amount today.
Gratefully yours,
Candace Valenzuela
