Dan & Rebecca Raymond

We have truly enjoyed reading the stories from Lodi Boys and Girls Club donors, and honestly, we could never describe all the good this organization does as beautifully as the families and volunteers who've lived it. The Boys and Girls Club is the heart of the Lodi Non-Profit Community — it's part of what makes this town feel like home.

When Roger asked if we'd share why we support the Boys and Girls Club with monthly donations, I mentioned it to my wife Rebecca. She just smiled and said, "Why wouldn't we?" And she was right. Why wouldn't any of us support LBGC, or any of the wonderful charities in this community? Sometimes we give to honor someone we love. Sometimes it's to raise awareness for a cause close to our hearts. And sometimes, it's simply to say thank you for everything this community has given us.

We're so grateful for what charitable organizations like this one do for our quality of life here — and we never want to assume someone else will step up. We never want to believe that a gift, no matter how small, won't matter. Because we know in our hearts that every single gift counts.

It isn't always easy, and it isn't always convenient for our budget. But there is nothing quite like the feeling of knowing you helped make your community a little brighter, a little kinder, a little more full of hope for the kids who need it most.

That feeling — that's why we give.