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The Starfish Story Original Starfish Photo by Henrique Vicente, CC Licensed

A man was jogging down the beach after a major storm had just come through the area. He was dismayed by the huge number of starfish that the storm had washed up on the beach. He thought that there was nothing he could do because of the immense numbers. As he continued down the beach he saw an old man throw something into the water. As he got closer, he saw the old man walk a little farther down the beach, bend over, pick up a starfish and throw it back into the water. As the jogger approached, the old man stopped again, bent over, picked up another starfish and was about to throw it into the water. The jogger stopped and asked “Why are you doing that? There are thousands of starfish on the beach. You can’t possibly make a difference.” The old man looked at the starfish, threw it back into the water, then replied, “I made a difference to that one, didn’t I?”


There are so many starfish! At times, staff feel overwhelmed by the needs of so many individuals and families struggling to survive. Clearly with more staff time and resources more individuals can be reached.

Individuals can contribute to a specific program, to the operating budget, or to the domestic hunger/crisis fund, which is used to help individuals and families with immediate needs for support.

Fundraisers are held throughout the year to support the Nest.  Contact Erica at (712) 542-3501 to volunteer for a scheduled event, like the Spring Fling Tea, Sip ‘n Stroll,  The Great Pumpkin Costume Run/Walk, Yankee Candle fundraiser, Antiquities photograph fundraiser, Thrivent Community Action Diaper Drive, or to arrange your own diaper drive.

Each December, the Christmas Box Project is sponsored by Positive Family to help families provide gifts and meals for Christmas.  Individuals, families, and companies adopt families, and Family Support Specialists make sure donations are distributed in time for Christmas.  Participants in Agency programs are prioritized, and other families requesting adoption are served as donors are available.

Southwest Iowa Families, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not for profit corporation. Donations are tax deductible. Call Sandy at (712) 542-3501 for more information.

Please mail contributions with this form (pdf) to:

Southwest Iowa Families, Inc. / 215 E Washington St / Clarinda, IA 51632

Donate online using PayPal

Click the image below where you will be taken to the PayPal site and be allowed to make a tax-deductible donation.