Something unfortunate is happening that puts the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley's final fundraising appeal for 2020 in jeopardy. The year-end letter to supporters is stuck at the post office.

However, the Mission's message and ongoing needs are too important to delay.

Additionally, the Mission wants donors to be able to receive their tax benefits for 2020.

"We know that the postal service is doing all they can to keep the mail moving, especially during this busy time of year, nevertheless it appears our year-end mailing is running later than expected and will not make it to donors before December 31st," said President/CEO John M. Muckridge III. "But we know that the Lord is in control and with all the things that have caught us off guard in 2020, this is no surprise to the Lord and He will meet our needs."

The Mission relies on the generosity of supporters in response to the letters sent to provide life-changing services for those in need.

Nightly, up to 100 men, women and children stay at the shelter and hundreds are fed daily.

With only three days remaining in December, Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley has yet to receive any gifts by mail specified for year-end giving due to the postal delay.

Muckridge noted that the ministry typically receives more than half of the Mission's annual support during the last three months of the year.

"December is a critical month for our fundraising," he said. Muckridge invites individuals, civic groups, businesses and churches to make a year-end gift to ease the burdens of those experiencing poverty and homelessness here in the Mahoning Valley so that the Mission may continue to provide programs and services.

"We are asking folks to make their year-end gift now. Please don't let the delay in mail delay your response to meeting the needs of those less fortunate in our community," said Muckridge. "Every gift of every size truly makes a difference."

Donations can be made online at www.rescuemissionmv.org or mailed to Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley, 962 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Youngstown, OH 44510.

Contributions received or postmarked on or before December 31 are tax-deductible for 2020.