By: Whitney Picco (UNH Manchester '10)
Have you ever wondered who our Warmth from the Millyard donors are?The most pressing question that immediately came to my mind was, “Who are they?” Are they all non-profit workers? Are they all from Manchester? Is there any common link between them?
If you look through the list of last year’s donors, you will be stunned by the diversity. If I didn’t know what I was looking at, I would never have guessed that these people came together to provide support to thousands of strangers in New Hampshire, just out of the kindness of their hearts.
When you simply say you have donated to Warmth from the Millyard, you may not be giving yourself the full credit you deserve. Our donors support our nonprofit, which in turn helps the University of New Hampshire and its students. The students who manage Warmth from the Millyard are gaining a wealth of experience with non-profit endeavors and community organizing. They are making connections that will undoubtedly serve them now and after they graduate. As community members who are passionate about serving others, they are at the top of their game when they’re involved with Warmth from the Millyard. I have been in Community Service and Leadership classes with people that I am certain will go on to do great things. I know this because they have already exceeded everyone’s expectations with the hard work and commitment they have dedicated to Warmth from the Millyard, and this incredible experience would not be possible without our donors, who keep our non-profit thriving.
So are you still wondering who our donors are? I cannot generalize them or put them into a box; they are a diverse group of people who hail from various New Hampshire cities and workplaces. Warmth from the Millyard donors include a yoga studio in Hollis; an elementary school in Goffstown; an office building in Salem; a fitness center, storage facility, and science center in Manchester; and so many more people who have given their time, energy, caring, and clothing to ensure that as many people in New Hampshire as possible were warm this winter and the next. They have succeeded admirably with their efforts; we have collected over 10,000 items of clothing in just a few short years. None of this would be possible without our donors holding up our non-profit from the very beginning. For that, we sincerely thank you.
