This year I've decided that instead of writing a letter to let many of the people we have touched during the year to express their feelings. I hope this will help us recommit to our vision and mission. Many thanks to all of our funders and friends who have unwaveringly "stuck with us" and supported, though the Federation, the survivors of the hurricane impacted areas. The least we can do is share these comments with you, especially in this time of disaster, world unrest and economic uncertainty that touches us all.

With much peace and love,
Ralph Paige

From Katrina Survivors

• Thank you for your support. I have stayed with several friends since the storm but hope to go into an apartment soon to plan a future. Your generosity motivated me to go forward....

• Just like to say thank you. It was a great blessing and help to our family...you all are God's ram in the bush.

• I'm remembering Corinthians 13:13...but the greatest of these is charity. Your generosity extended in our dire time of need exemplifies this scriptural verse.

• Many thanks for making my babies have a wonderful Christmas. It takes a very generous heart to do the things you've done to ensure that children and families you don't know enjoy the reason for the season.

• Thank you very much for your (assistance). (It) came at a time when I needed (it) most. Since Hurricane Katrina I've had to replace all of my basic needs such as clothes, shoes and toiletries, etc. Thanks for your great help.

• Thank you for your donation. We are trying yo rebuild our house and, like with so many people, funds are tight. Your gift will enable us to buy materials for rebuilding or furniture to start over with. More than money itself, the idea it expresses is that you care and love us and have not forgotten us, which warms our hearts.

• Thank you so much...it is nice to know there are people who want to help others when they need help.

From Co-op Members and Partners

• It was a wonderful meeting at Epes with goat producers that we believe will yield beneficial results. The Federation of Southern Cooperatives in our opinion organized an excellent meeting that was engaging, educational, informative and productive. The most significant accomplishment was that the farmers that were present agreed not only to organize themselves but also with a cooperative model to follow.

Dr. Ralph Noble
North Carolina A&T University

• Over the years the Federation has provided technical assistance and small grants which have helped our credit union to grow to over $1 million in assets. With these assets we have been able to provide additional and larger loans to our low-income members.

Willie Carpenter
Treasurer & Manager FOGCE-Federal Credit Union

• Many of the members of the Greene Sumter Farmers Marketing Co-op have enjoyed a good season selling vegetables at our weekly market in Eutaw and Livingston. This has provided cash income to 30 farmers in our area. The Federation has been giving technical assistance to make this effort possible.

Ethel Giles, Forkland, Alabama
Coordinator of the Greene Sumter Farmer's Market