Over the holidays we received this beautiful email from longtime friends of The Hope Project, Pete and Marcy, in memory of their friend Barb Kelly.

*Barb, far left, with Pete, Marcy and friends, celebrating Hope*

"Barb was a longtime supporter of Hope. During the pandemic, she hosted a Hope Project unEvent fundraiser. We went to her house where she had prepared a Liberian meal with all the trimmings thanks to a Hope food box. We shared the meal with her and other friends. Barb, who was not a cook, was thrilled to make the meal and host s. It was a festive and memorable time for all of us.

Recently, we went to Barb's house again for a meal, this one a potluck. It was the 1st anniversary of her death from brain cancer. Her family and friends were there and she was there in spirit. This was not a mournful affair, but rather celebratory. For our potluck contribution, Marcy and I pulled out our Liberian recipes and made Liberian chicken with greens, just as Barb had made those years ago. In this way, Hope was with us. And, by strengthening our Liberian neighbors, we strengthen our own community, one chicken dish at a time."

Grateful for Barb and all that she gave to the local and international communities during her life. Grateful for Pete and Marcy and all of you who through your generosity continue to strengthen our Liberian neighbors and our own communities.