Donor Stories

AFSC’s help for a young peace activist was never forgotten—now he is paying it forward

Quakerism began influencing Henry Kingsbury’s life at age 27 when he attended his first Friends meeting while studying piano in London. Now 80 and living in Kennebunk, Maine, he talks about how much Quaker ideas resonated with him and fueled his efforts as a peace activist during the Vietnam War.

Building a secure future for themselves and for AFSC

Willie Colon and Melissa Stoner are leadership gift officers for AFSC. They assist those interested in making philanthropic gifts to build critical support for AFSC’s work for generations to come. They are also AFSC donors—personally committed to the organization’s work for a more just, peaceful future for all.

Preserving a Quaker life and legacy

Margaret Carne has received many gifts in her life. Her pacifist father’s shining example of living out his Quaker values, her safe evacuation by Quakers during World War II, and the welcome she has received at every Quaker Meeting are chief among them.

A deep commitment to AFSC fuels decades of service

For decades, their lives have interwoven with and been enriched by the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC). But Arlene Kelly and Helene Pollock have also given back time, energy, and financial resources to the organization they say has provided them with seminal, unforgettable experiences.

A legacy of service and giving continues

Martha Mattus’ parents were unwavering in their racial justice work in Virginia, and in turn, she has continued the family legacy of altruistic activism and long supported AFSC.

A passion to make the world more peaceful

Dr. Leon and Hester Petty became interested in Quakerism early in their marriage. Considering their philanthropy later in life, they decided to make a deeper investment in peace and justice, supporting AFSC by creating a charitable gift annuity.

Two unbreakable bonds: Couple invests in each other and AFSC

Gaylan and David Corbin share a passion for peace and justice. After thinking about how their financial needs might change in the next decade, the couple established charitable gift annuities to support AFSC and provide them with life income and flexibility to access the gift annuities when needed.

A gift to help create ‘the beloved community’

David Blair has spent the better part of a lifetime promoting peace an social justice around the world. His motivation is deeply spiritual.

A tradition of giving

“You’re here in this world temporarily. It’s a short period of time. If there’s any responsibility we have, it’s to make the world a better place for the future.” This sentiment has inspired Frank and Julie Young to support AFSC for 60 years—most recently by giving from their IRAs.

Paving the way for peace and justice

By remembering the American Friends Service Committee in their will, Bruce and Barbara Nordstrom-Loeb express gratitude for AFSC's role in their lives and the world.

Enhancing the lives of others through work, service, and giving

Elizabeth Andrews and Karen Sturnick count support of immigrants and youth as their top priorities. Through their estate plan, they've targeted a gift specifically for the benefit of AFSC.

The Quaker perspective guides her work and philanthropy

Kristin Loken's career in the foreign service propelled her worldwide, but her Quaker values always led the way.

Diane Evans counts her many blessings

Diane's relationship with AFSC began in 1952, when she met a group of volunteers on an ocean liner en route to England. "It was a like a floating hotel for young people," she recalls. She was participating in an Experiment for International Living, and the volunteers were on their way to help rebuild communities still devastated by the destruction of World War II. Their dedication to the worthy effort impressed her.

Ann Tickner

Ann Tickner has been an AFSC donor for some 50 years. That steadfast support, she says, is inextricably linked to her Quaker beliefs and the feminist approach to international relations she has spent most of her adult life teaching.

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