Dear COAR Supporters, I hope this letter finds you enjoying a holiday season filled with joy and peace. COAR is a local nonprofit organization (contributions are tax-deductible) led by students providing voluntary assistance to refugees who have been displaced by conflict. We believe in the dignity and potential of refugees, and support them as they rebuild positive, self-sufficient lives here in the U.S. I hope that you will, in turn, support COAR as the season of giving is upon us. These last few months have been incredibly exciting for COAR as we began our 2007-2008 program cycles. Fall is always an exciting time to see our programs in action! * COAR welcomed 16 university-student interns to our youth leadership team. * The Volunteer Anchor Program recruited 39 volunteer applicants; these Volunteer Anchors are currently mentoring families from Burma, Iraq, Eritrea and Iran. * The Reaching Higher College Preparation Program recruited 19 refugee high school scholars from countries such as Somalia, Cuba, Sudan, Romania and Burma; held three out of six total workshops. * The Awareness & Advocacy Program co-hosted the Phoenix Refugee Soccer Tournament with the International Rescue Committee; 8 teams participated representing Afghanistan, Burma, Burundi, Ethiopia, Iraq, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Somalia. Every year, the U.S. government welcomes over 2,000 refugees to Arizona from war-torn countries such as Burma, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan and Somalia. Together, with our supporters, COAR is making a very real difference in the lives of these inspiring individuals. That's why we're asking you to give $200 this holiday season so that COAR's valuable work might continue. The best part about this gift is that you may be eligible to earn a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on your Arizona state income taxes! This means that every dollar you contribute (up to $200 filing single and $400 filing jointly) will be a dollar off your taxes. Fill out and return the included envelope with your contribution, or head to www.coarweb.org and donate online. As a holiday gift idea, consider requesting loved ones contribute to COAR in lieu of purchasing a gift for you. We look forward to a new year of supporting more refugee families and youth as they rebuild positive, self-sufficient lives in the US. Thank you for your contribution. Please feel free to contact me directly (csteiner@coarweb.org) if you have any questions or suggestions. Happy Holidays! Cara Steiner Kiggins Executive Director P.S. Don't forget! Your contribution may earn a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on your Arizona State income taxes! All contributions to COAR are tax-deductible, however up to $400 filing jointly and $200 filing single qualifies as a tax credit. Check out www.azdor.gov and consult with your tax advisor for more details. Every dollar you contribute is a dollar off your state taxes!