On this #GivingTuesday, we ask that you consider Starfish for your donations. As always, all of the funds donated today will go directly to support our programs to help people in the Columbus area. The only way someone can be referred to us for services is through a law enforcement officer. Because of this, we find we are often able to help people that other charities might not be able to reach. Some examples:
In December 2018, we helped a single mom who had been buying presents all year for her family, storing them at her parents' house so her kids wouldn't find them. That home was broken into two weeks before the holiday and every present was stolen. We went shopping with officers from South Linden (who matched your donations) and gave them their Christmas back.
Early this year, officers from the Far East Side contacted us about a 14-year-old boy who had been witness to a horrifying domestic violence call, in which his father attempted to kill his mother right in front of him. They said the child wanted to start playing basketball and asked if we could help get him basketball shoes. Our supporters came through in a huge way and the officers were able to take him on two separate shopping trips months apart (boys grow quickly). It was a happy and healing experience for all involved.
In June 2019, Community Liaison Officer James Poole (Southeast Side) came upon a family of eight panhandling. He stopped to speak with them and determined that their van had broken down on their way from Florida to Wisconsin. They had family in Wisconsin and a job waiting for Dad, but no way of getting there and were down to their last few dollars, with nothing to eat. Thanks to Starfish donors, the work of Ofc Poole at finding a good mechanic, and the translation efforts of Starfish Board Member Shirley Cartagena, we had the family fed and on their way in a few days.
Thank you for your consideration.
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