Cinnamin Herring
Important Announcement: Humanitarian Connection is Dissolving
January 3, 2025
Dear Supporters,
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After thoughtful reflection, we are announcing that Humanitarian Connection is reaching its natural conclusion. The mission of this organization has been fulfilled, and we have made the decision to close operations. As our founder and director, Cinnamin Herring, steps away to focus on securing personal financial stability, we are confident that the work we've done together has made a meaningful and lasting impact.
A Legacy of Impact
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Over the past three months, with your generous contributions, we have been able to make a significant and lasting difference in the lives of those most affected by Hurricane Helene. Thanks to you, we were able to provide heat, urgent repairs, and essential supplies to hundreds of families and individuals who were struggling to rebuild their lives. Your support has empowered us to extend compassion, resources, and hope to many who had nowhere else to turn.
We want to reassure you that every donation has been stewarded with the utmost care and respect for the people we serve. Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that your contributions were directed to those most in need, and every initiative was executed with the goal of providing meaningful and sustainable support.
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Dissolution Process and Ongoing Commitment to Help
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We are currently in the process of legally dissolving the organization, which includes distributing any remaining funds to provide further aid where it is most urgently needed. These funds will continue to help those requiring critical services like heat, urgent repairs, and other essential support. We are committed to ensuring that all financial resources are used in the most responsible way possible, and we are taking the appropriate legal steps to complete the dissolution properly.
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Moving Forward
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While Humanitarian Connection may be closing its doors, the need for relief efforts continues. Cinnamin Herring, who has poured her heart and soul into this work, is more than happy to help connect anyone interested in continuing their support of these crucial efforts to other reputable organizations. Please reach out to us through our contact page if you would like to be directed to those organizations that are carrying forward this important mission.
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Final Words of Gratitude
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To all of our donors, volunteers, and partners – we cannot thank you enough for your unwavering support. You have truly made a difference in the lives of many. You have helped us bring warmth, hope, and healing to communities that needed it most. Your kindness and generosity have created a ripple effect that will last far beyond the life of this organization.
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As we close this chapter, we do so with full hearts, knowing that your contributions have left a lasting, positive impact. We hope you will continue to support those in need and trust that your actions, big and small, can change the world.
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Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for being part of this journey with us.
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With deep appreciation,
Cinnamin Herring
Founder & Director, Humanitarian Connection
December 14, 2024
1st Edition
Humanitarian Connection:
Current Activities and Updates
Dear Friends and Supporters,
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At Humanitarian Connection, we are continually inspired by the generosity of our community and the collective effort to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. As we enter the winter season, our focus remains on responding to urgent needs and providing lasting solutions for families in our region. We’d like to share an update on our ongoing initiatives, including how your support is making a meaningful impact.
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Facilitating Effective Relief: Our Mission in Action
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Humanitarian Connection is dedicated to enhancing humanitarian relief efforts by facilitating clear communication between donors and recipients. We work to identify and address specific needs, ensuring that aid reaches the people who need it most. Whether it's propane for heat, firewood for warmth, or home repairs to restore safety, we are committed to connecting individuals and organizations with the resources they need to make a difference.
This fall, our mission to facilitate relief has been at the heart of several critical initiatives in our region. We’ve worked hard to provide both immediate and long-term assistance to families facing hardship, all while maintaining the core principle of connecting donors with specific needs to ensure aid is directed where it's needed most.
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Providing Heat for Families in Need
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As the temperatures drop, heat has become an urgent need for many families in our area. Recently, we were able to secure propane for a family facing extreme cold this winter. With your generous donations, we filled their propane tank, ensuring they have heat and the ability to cook throughout the season. Additionally, firewood donations have helped another family keep warm.
We are also focused on assisting those still without power due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. We are working to provide wood heaters and dry firewood to families who rely on wood stoves or fire places for warmth. Your support allows us to address these immediate heating needs, as well as plan for longer-term assistance.
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Supporting Home Repairs and Long-Term Needs
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While providing immediate heating assistance is a priority, we are also preparing for longer-term support. Many families in Western North Carolina continue to face significant home repair needs, including drywall replacement, roof repairs, and rebuilding barns and sheds destroyed by recent storms. We are actively reaching out to these families, assessing their needs, and collaborating with local organizations to coordinate larger-scale rebuilding efforts.
These home repairs are vital to helping families regain stability. Your donations are key in enabling us to cover the costs of materials, labor, and essential repairs. We continue to prioritize these needs, especially as the weather permits, and are eager to partner with those who can offer financial or material support.
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Economic Support for Families in Crisis
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Beyond physical repairs, many families in our region are struggling with the economic aftermath of disasters, including job loss, reduced work hours, and transportation challenges. At Humanitarian Connection, we strive to empower families to regain financial independence while meeting their immediate needs. We continue to work closely with individuals, helping them access resources, secure transportation, and rebuild their financial footing.
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Engaging Students in Charitable Giving
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One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is seeing students actively involved in charitable giving. Recently, a group of teens from a homeschool co-op raised $300 to provide firewood for a family in need. These students are not only learning the importance of philanthropy but are also gaining hands-on experience in understanding the challenges families face as they recover from disaster.
This direct involvement helps young people build empathy, fosters a deeper understanding of community needs, and shows the direct impact of their generosity. We encourage schools and groups to engage in these meaningful opportunities, and we are happy to assist in organizing these initiatives.
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Sponsor a Family & Holiday Cheer for Children
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This winter, we’re excited to announce two key initiatives that allow you to make an even more personal impact on families in need. Through our Sponsor a Family program, donors can connect directly with a family facing financial hardship or a critical need. By offering targeted assistance, donors help provide essential resources such as food, heating supplies, and home repairs.
Additionally, our Holiday Cheer for Children program connects sponsors with families who have children in need of holiday gifts. We facilitate communication between sponsors and recipient families, helping to ensure that donors’ contributions make the most meaningful impact. Whether through direct gifts or by providing financial assistance on behalf of sponsors, we are here to ensure that every child feels the warmth of the holiday season.
These programs embody the core of our mission—facilitating communication between donors and families so that aid is delivered in the most effective way possible. We encourage you to get involved, either by sponsoring a family or contributing to our Holiday Cheer for Children, and help bring joy to those who need it most this season.
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How You Can Help
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If you would like to contribute to our ongoing efforts, there are several ways to get involved:
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Donate Funds: Financial contributions go directly to meeting urgent needs, such as propane, firewood, and longer-term home repairs.
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Sponsor a Family or Child: By becoming a sponsor, you can directly assist families or children in need, making a lasting impact on their recovery.
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Give Materials or Services: Donations of materials such as firewood, propane, and home repair supplies, or services like contractor work, are greatly appreciated.
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Volunteer Your Time: Whether helping coordinate donations, offering encouragement to families, or assisting with logistics, there are plenty of ways you can share your time and talents.
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Spread the Word: Help raise awareness by sharing our work with friends, family, and colleagues. The more people who know about our efforts, the more we can accomplish together.​
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Stay Connected
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We are deeply grateful for your continued support and the impact you are making in the lives of those who need it most. To stay up-to-date on our ongoing efforts and learn more about how you can get involved, please follow us on our website and social media channels. If you have questions or would like more information on any of our initiatives, please reach out to us directly.
Together, we are making a lasting difference for families in need. Thank you for being a part of this important work!
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Sincerely,
Cinnamin Herring
Director
Humanitarian Connection