Following is a heart-warming letter from a special donor who would like to remain anonymous

As you know, due to the attacks on September 11, 2001, we New Yorkers received an outpouring of love, comfort, money and support not only from our fellow Americans but from around the world.  And for me, it wasn’t until the first anniversary, that I started to realize I hadn’t thanked anyone for all that had been done for us. An idea started forming that I would like to thank someone but it would need to be for the benefit of those outside our affected area, and realized that the police officers, emergency personnel and firefighters would be the best source to find out who to thank since they are on the front lines not only on Ground Zero and Fresh Kill but throughout the city.

So on September 30, 2002, [I asked the first police officer I met]“if you had $1,000 to give away, who would you thank for all their efforts on our behalf?” Literally, without a moment’s hesitation, [the officer] responded “the Red Cross – they really took care of us at Ground Zero, providing not only food and beds but even massages!”

Our generous anonymous donor sent us a contribution with a request that the officer he talked to be notified.

Enclosed in a card saying: “Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it” was this note:

Dear Friends at the American Red Cross,

This card seems particularly appropriate given the phenomenal job you all do — especially since 9/11/01. My brother was an off-duty lieutenant with the FDNY who went in to the World Trade Center and died in the line of duty. He loved being a firefighter second only to the love he had for his wife and daughters. He excelled at what he did and was an inspiration to all who knew him.

So I am writing to say a heartfelt thank you for making it possible to attend the Fire Department’s memorial ceremony at Madison Square Garden on October 12. I live in California and have been back and forth to New York to be with my family, both in September of 2001 and when my father died on March 11, 2002. I couldn’t have afforded this trip without your support. It was a very beneficial trip for me — and made a big difference to my mom that I could be there. Blessings to you all!

Thanks so very much!

Sincerely,
Marie Mitchell
Mount Shasta, CA

 

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