August is here, bringing the Dog Days of Summer with it, and we hope you’ve been staying cool!
This time of year brings the familiar rush of back-to-school preparations, last-minute vacations, and busy schedules. As life gets busier, it gets easier to put important tasks on hold. But before summer comes to an end, please consider checking one more significant item off your to-do list.
August is National Make-A-Will Month, a powerful reminder that thoughtful planning today can lead to peace of mind for you and your loved ones tomorrow. Taking the time to create a will or trust is one of the most meaningful ways to protect your family, preserve your wishes, and leave a legacy.
This is something we all ponder at some point. How do we want to be remembered? It is also something we often push to the back of our minds because we don’t really want to think about it.
This message is especially meaningful to me this year. After losing my father unexpectedly this spring, I have been reminded of how important it is to have our affairs in order. I miss everything about my father – his voice, his smile, his encouragement, his hugs. His absence still feels surreal, but I find comfort knowing that the way he lived and the impact he made continue to be part of his legacy.
While nothing eases the loss of someone you love, thoughtful planning can provide clarity and peace of mind for those left behind. I am grateful that his kindness will continue to support others in his community, and I encourage you to take a moment to think about how and where you might want to do the same someday.
At the St. Louis Area Foodbank, we see the impact of generosity every day. We are fortunate to be part of a mission greater than any one of us, and we are honored to work alongside tens of thousands of volunteers each year who donate their time to support families that need help making ends meet.
Every time you show up, it matters. Every donation sorted, every piece of produce inspected, every bulk item repackaged, and every box of food prepared helps provide nutritious food to children, families, and seniors across the 26-county region we serve. Our volunteers may not realize it, but every act of service is part of their legacy, and part of ours too.
This month, we are honored to offer another way to extend that impact. Through our partnership with FreeWill, you can create a valid will or trust at no cost in as little as 20 minutes.
Neighbors helping neighbors is at the core of what we do at the St. Louis Area Foodbank. Camaraderie, volunteerism, and generosity are what have allowed us to provide food and resources to those in need for over 50 years. Now, you can help nourish our community for generations to come by including the St. Louis Area Foodbank in your estate plans. Your legacy can help build a stronger, healthier community far beyond your lifetime.
This National Make-A-Will Month, I hope you’ll take one simple step that can make a lasting difference for your loved ones and for the community. Now is the perfect time to make your plan. Start building your legacy at: freewill.com/stlfoodbank.
We are grateful for your continued support. Thank you for reflecting on your own legacy, and for being a part of ours, which is woven into everyday moments of impact and hope.
