DEAR HIKE FUND: THANK YOU!

Excerpts from a collection of thank you notes to the members of the International Order of Job's Daughters from families and teachers of hearing-impaired children who have benefited from assistance through The HIKE Fund.

Parents and grandparents have written the following:

• ...This was not only a financial relief for us, but it was very comforting to see so many people who really cared. Our daughter recently had the experience of being without her hearing aids for a time while they were being repaired. She had a very difficult time without them. It reminded us how much she does need them. It also reminded us of how fortunate we are to have an organization such as yours to help children...
• ...Please accept our gratitude for the financial assistance on behalf of our son. We have received the FM Unit from Audio Enhancement and have begun using it with him. Please express our thanks to the other members of The HIKE Fund...
• ...My daughter and I were so elated to read about the good news! This is the best present! - and it could not have come at a better time. I am so grateful to you and The HIKE Fund for making it possible for my daughter to obtain the hearing aids she so desperately needs...my daughter will again hear the wonderful and beautiful sounds, that I and so many others take for granted...
• ...I am still in shock at your surprise visit last week! I want to thank you and all the girls that have worked so hard to make The HIKE Fund a reality! This is an area where there is great need - and great reward - in helping a child to hear. Many thanks and continued success...
• ...We want you to know how truly thankful we are to have been lucky enough to receive this grant...I want you all to know that this TDD has made a young girl's life a lot more independent and much happier. The first call she made was to her best friend to invite her camping for the weekend. It was her first time to ever really use a telephone. Thank you all for being such a blessing...

An audiologist's appreciation:

• ...Thank you and your organization for providing hearing aids for these two girls. They were both fitted biaurally with behind-the-ear aids...both the girls had their previous aids for more than ten years and now notice a tremendous improvement in their ability to understand speech, especially at school where they both excel. Thank you again for the tremendous help you have given to both [of them] and to all the children I have been able to work with due to your support...

Teachers tell us:

• ...I want you to know what a difference you have made in her life. She is extremely excited and proud to receive the check that will pay for her hearing aids. If it weren't for your hard work and generosity, this young girl would never have the opportunity to try to hear to the best of her ability. Thank you so much for this special gift to my student...
• ...I am a teacher for hearing impaired students. One of my students has recently received two hearing aids as a result of Job's Daughters' generosity. I wish you could have seen the look of happiness on this child's face when he came to tell me he had his new hearing aids. This student not only hears much better, and is more successful in school, but feels great about himself, too. You are definitely making a positive difference in children's lives...

Thank you, Daughters and adult workers, for your support of The HIKE Fund. Through your efforts, The HIKE Fund can continue its work "...that every child with joy may hear..." (Wm. Blake).
Mrs. Mac!

The information at this Web site is available for Job's Daughters and other Masonic family members. However, when acknowledging this information, please credit the author. These 'thank yous' were included in a special brochure prepared for the 1993-94 HIKE campaign.