Each year, transportation costs are a significant part of our budget. While we make every effort to
consolidate trips for supplies and transporting residents to and from appointments and activities, the toll on
vehicles is costly.
One Ranch vehicle that is critical to everyday activities is a dependable pick-up truck that can carry supplies
as well as residents. Right now, our most critical need is for a vehicle to replace the very worn-out one we
have been using for about four years.
There are a number of things this pick-up truck is used for, including such things as:
1. Pulling a trailer to transport animals or large supplies
2. Transportation to state-wide county fairs to pick up donated animals that will be used for food during
the coming year
3. Purchasing feed for the 4-H animals and horses used in the animal programs
4. Transporting residents to and from 4-H activities, along with the gear needed to show the animals
5. To purchase food and supplies for the everyday needs of the campus
The final task listed is especially important each week. Arranging for meals and snacks for the residents and
staff at The Ranch can be a daunting task at times. Menus are prepared well in advance, taking into account food items on hand and meat that is donated at the county fairs. The real challenge comes in the form of preparing the list of items that will be needed for preparation in the dining room for lunches and occasional evening meals as well as the items needed for breakfasts, snacks and weekend meals that are prepared in the cottages each week.
Taking these challenges into account, the weekly “food run,” as we like to call it, consists of a staff member
and one to two residents who travel to local merchants to shop for the needed items. It is common for this
group to have four to six carts full of food when the shopping is completed. Without a large multi-purpose
vehicle, this would be a far more difficult task.
It is now time to replace the current pick-up truck with one that is safer and more road-worthy. It is our hope
that you will be willing to help us with this critical need.
Your gift will be very helpful to us in finding a replacement truck. Please consider taking part in the
replacement of this multi-use vehicle that can make life more manageable for both the residents and staff.
Your gift today is much appreciated.
A generous donor has offered a matching gift to help us reach this goal. That means for every $1.00 you
send, The Ranches will receive an additional $1.00. A gift of $50.00 will become $100.00. And a gift of
$100.00 will result in a $200.00 donation. Simply put, your donation will have twice the value because of this
generous matching gift. The match is $12,000.00 and any money we receive in excess of the cost of the
multi-purpose vehicle will be used for general operating.
