The advantages of monthly donations, for both MEND and donors

Shannon Tait volunteering at one of MEND's food drives at the Leavenworth Safeway. Shannon and her husband Mike are monthly donors to MEND. Shannon also volunteers for MEND. Photo by Dave Masuda.

Monthly donations are one of the most effective ways supporters can help Upper Valley MEND plan for the future. Because these gifts are predictable, they can be counted toward budgeted income—money MEND expects to receive each month. That reliability allows MEND to plan ahead and sustains programs like the Community Cupboard, the Upper Valley’s food pantry.

For many donors, monthly giving is also easier to manage. A small amount given consistently can feel more manageable than a larger one-time gift, and over time, those small contributions add up to significant support for families in need.

That combination of impact and simplicity is what motivated Mike Tait to take action.

In May 2025, Mike learned about upcoming changes to SNAP food assistance benefits tied to the new tax act—changes that would make benefits harder to get or keep for many people.

“This is crazy,” he said to his wife Shannon. “We’ve got to do something more about this.”

Shannon called Upper Valley MEND and set up a monthly donation—one that could directly help people whose benefits would be reduced, since many people shop at the Cupboard to supplement their SNAP benefits.

“If all of us could give half an hour of our time or $5 to $10, we could make a difference,” Shannon said.

Mike retired early at 55 after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Despite his own challenges, Shannon says he continues to look for ways to positively impact the world around him—a value the couple shares. Even before Mike began their monthly donation, Shannon was already involved as a MEND volunteer, helping unload food deliveries at the Community Cupboard, stuffing envelopes, and staffing tables at food drives. While she isn’t able to volunteer every week, she gives her time whenever she can.

“We’re not always in the most perfect spot,” Shannon said, reflecting on how many people wish they had more time or money to give. “But you can still try to be the best you can be.”