Dear Friends,
We begin with our sincere thanks to all of you who have given a special gift to our COVID-19 Emergency Fund. In just one week, we have raised $10,000 – 50% of our $20,000 goal!
Today, we know more than we did a month ago, but we are still facing the unknown in many respects. COVID-19 has affected millions of lives, and economies are in turmoil. But even in these difficult times, we cannot allow fear or anxiety to keep us from having hope and helping those most in need.
So far, your support has provided Protective Personal Equipment (PPE) to the Catskill Medical Center in Sullivan County, one of the most disadvantaged regions in New York State.
“Thank you so much PRASAD. Your generosity will help protect our staff and patients.” Jonathan Schiller, MS, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer, Catskill Regional Medical Center
In New York City, we contributed funds to COVID Courage, a community of healthcare workers and volunteers that have been distributing face masks and face shields to hard-hit NYC hospitals, clinics, and food pantries and on subways
“As we work to provide essential equipment to healthcare workers and NYC residents, COVID Courage is committed to reflect the integrity and generosity that PRASAD embodies in all of its work.” Dr. Natasha Anushri Anandaraja, COVID Courage Coordinator
At PRASAD Chikitsa, your contributions supported the production and distribution of 1,000 face masks to community members and the delivery of 500 food packages in 17 villages and hamlets to Adivasi families who currently have no income source.
Tansa Valley villagers wait for food packages at appropriate social distances.
Women heads of household going home with a month’s supply of food
All of our lives have been complicated by COVID-19, but for communities who don’t have access to essentials like food, the pandemic is catastrophic. According to a new report from the World Food Program, the COVID-19 outbreak is likely to double the number of people facing acute hunger this year, and the lockdowns will exacerbate conditions in some of the world’s poorest nations. That’s why, as a global community, we must make an extra effort to provide relief to the most vulnerable.
We need your support now to aid more families in need. The number of Tansa Valley families needing food assistance has doubled. Our plan is to provide 3,000 food packages to 1,000 families over the next month. Your gift to the COVID-19 Emergency fund will provide a month’s worth of food supplies to these indigenous Adivasi families who are in desperate need.
Please help us hit our goal of raising $20,000 – we are already halfway there!
In the coming weeks, we will share more information about our COVID-19 response and our programs across the globe. No one knows how the future will take shape, but together we can make it through these challenging times. The need is critical and immediate. Your support now will make a difference today.
Stay home, stay healthy, stay safe. We will get through this together!
In gratitude,
Dr. M. Cecilia Escarra
Executive Director
P.S. For the 2020 tax year, taxpayers can take an above-the-line charitable deduction of up to $300 for certain charitable contributions. In addition, for 2020, the deduction available on cash contributions to charitable organizations has been increased from 60 percent of a taxpayer’s AGI to 100 percent. (Contributions to donor-advised funds are not eligible.) For corporations, the deductibility of cash contributions has been increased temporarily from 10 percent to 25 percent of taxable income.
