Every single person has the opportunity to make a positive difference in their community.

Doug Woods was one such person who found delight in giving and made a lasting difference in his community. DMARC will forever be inspired by and grateful for his spirit of generosity. This March, thanks to the family of Mr. Woods and David Simpson & Holly Klotz, we challenge you make a difference by giving a gift to DMARC and match a potential $20,000 gift for the Douglas M. Woods Memorial Hunger Challenge.

Your impact will be doubled this March up to $20,000

VIDEO: Doug’s son, Paul Woods, shares how his father led by example as a veteran and police officer, and the origins of the challenge.

Memorial Hunger Challenge

The goal in the beginning was simple: To create a challenge match that would not only help those facing food insecurity but also encourage others to give generously. It was tremendously successful, and ten years later has raised nearly a million dollars in support of the DMARC Food Pantry Network.

We are truly grateful to the family of Douglas M. Woods who have decided to carry on his legacy. The Doug M. Woods Memorial Hunger Challenge continues every year during the month of March and area congregations and individuals are encouraged to donate and encourage others to make a positive impact on their neighbors.

Share information about the challenge with your congregation. Print out this handout and insert in your March bulletin.

Take the Challenge

Make a gift today to support this special effort during the month of March.

Inspiring others to give

In the beginning, the goal was simple – to create a challenge match that would not only help those facing food insecurity but also encourage others to give generously.

It was tremendously successful, and over ten years later raised a total of over $900,000 in support of the DMARC Food Pantry Network. This total included over 2,000 gifts given as part of the hunger challenge. To say that Doug set an example in giving is an understatement.

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Doug’s Legacy

Doug’s life was one of service. He served his country in the Vietnam War and served his community as a deputy sheriff for Madison County and then as a police officer with the West Des Moines Police Department, retiring after 25 years.