2020 has been an interesting and challenging year…an understatement for many of us. Our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones, lost employment and have been plagued by this novel virus.
We were fortunate this year to have made two domestic trips within the USA before the pandemic arrived…a trip to a Blues Festival in Memphis, Tennessee and snow skiing in Colorado. Then of course came the shutdown, isolating and quarantining. We have been spared the brunt and worst of the virus and see the lack of ability to travel as unfortunate…but not anywhere as detrimental as many who have been affected by COVID.
We wish everyone a happy and better 2021!
Before we go, we want to share just a bit about charitable giving. Long story somewhat short, this is a good year to give for us U.S. taxpayers that are fortunate to be able to….any amount, large or small. This was a temporary change in the tax code to help not-for-profit organizations since they are suffering as well due to COVID – receiving less contributions.
Charitable contributions are fully deductible this year, up to $300 per person, even if you don’t itemize (IRS Tax Info).
This brings us to an opportunity to help.
Our last international trip ended in September of 2019 to 8 countries in Africa. An amazing trip that included a stop in Zambia.
I know we have shared with some of you that we were fortunate to have met an amazing couple, originally from Appalachia Kentucky, that have spent most of the last 40 years helping people and one particular village in Zambia, Africa. They have spent much of their lives helping so many in Zambia. Fran and Lonnie Turner are among the most giving, humble and friendly people one could ever meet.
We met them in a hotel lobby in Zambia because Lonnie had on a University of Kentucky Wildcats T-shirt. ..of course we had to talk to them, as the University of Kentucky is my undergraduate college alma mater. We ended up spending a day with them in their village and with some of the villagers they have been helping for nearly 20 years.
We were amazed by the Turners and what they have accomplished with so little.
Fran and Lonnie have given most of their adult life to help so many lives, including helping kids in Zambia by paying their tuition for schools…nursing school, med school, vet school, primary school and more. They have built a primary school, veterinary clinic, medical clinic, basketball courts, soccer fields, solar irrigation, toilets and more…many basic things that we often take for granted.
Many folks donate around this time of year to help those in need and for tax purposes. This is a small organization (4 – 5 people all volunteers) that does so much good.
If you would like to donate, please send a check to:
Partners In Development, Attn: Greg Toulson, 252 N. First Street, Hampton, VA 23664
It would be a great Holiday gift to help the lives of many. A dollar goes a long way there!
On a personal note, we think us McIntosh’s may be related to Lonnie Turner. My 23andMe analysis shows we are related to many Turners in eastern Kentucky! Many McIntosh’s and related clans settled in Eastern Kentucky when they left Scotland in the 1700s. .
I think you will find the attached short video interesting! You will see about their “container” shipment from Kentucky and see Lonnie and Fran. Click here for Video!
Also I very much encourage a visit to Zambia to their village as it is near the world’s largest waterfalls (Victoria Falls) and the densest population of elephants in the world (around an hour away).
Fran, Lonnie and the village love to have visitors to the village in Zambia! You can even lend a hand teaching, building or coaching some children playing sports. We hope to be able get there in 2021!
Please let me know if you have any questions, suggestions or want more information! Also, check out their Facebook page!
Thank you!
All the best and Happy New Year!
Mike and Tracey
