Housing Manager and Single Stop Coordinator Hannah Klempner
HPP extends a big, warm thank you to our very own Housing Program Manager & SingleStop USA Program Supervisor Hannah Klempner, who amazingly raised over $4,000 for our annual Thanksgiving dinner giveaway that distributes turkeys and all the fixings to HPP families who could not afford them otherwise.
Feeling frustrated after a weekly managers meeting where staff somberly discussed the reality of HPP families not receiving a Thanksgiving dinner due to funding cuts, Hannah took action. She emailed a heartfelt plea to everyone on her contacts list. Calling on friends, acquaintances, and strangers alike, Hannah wrote, “The thought of looking my clients in the eyes and telling them ‘Sorry, but this year we don’t have enough resources to give you a turkey’ almost brought me to tears. With all of the hardships these families have already endured due to the economic downturn, having a Thanksgiving dinner is a way for them to escape their situation just for a few hours and feel like a normal family. I can’t imagine not giving them that.”
Her genuine and compassionate words prompted over eighty people from all over the country to donate, totaling over $4,000 raised. As a result, HPP was able to purchase more than 350 turkeys, the largest amount ever in our twenty-year history.
“I feel so awed and inspired by everyone’s generosity, and I realized that taking this simple action provided an avenue for people to give back to the community and feel involved in making a difference,” Klempner said. “I also feel relieved that our families won’t have one more thing taken from them this holiday season.”
Executive Director Martha Ryan praised Hannah’s drive and commitment to helping families in need. “Hannah’s efforts have showed us the power of one and what can be accomplished through its ripple effect to impact the community as a whole.” Ryan said. “We are so appreciative of all that she’s done.”
Thank you so much, Hannah, for your superstar efforts in making this year’s Thanksgiving dinner giveaway such a success! We are so lucky to have you as part of our HPP family!
Check out this video of HPP clients talking about what the program means to them during the holiday: