All I can say is that I am AMAZED at the people that God has brought to Christian HELP. We have been so blessed with volunteers and donors at this special time of year. It is because of all of these wonderfull people that we were able to bless about 600 familes with Christmas gifts and Holiday meals this year.
One story worth sharing is about JC. He is a 16 year old boy that heard about our adoption program on Z88.3. He sent them a letter which they faxed to us. He wanted to help his family with Christmas. You see, his mother passed away and he and his siblings are cared for by his Aunt. He has Cystic Fibrosis and is sick alot, but feels that she care for them well. He wanted help for the 9 and 11 year olds in his family. He asked for nothing for himself. What a noble person at such a young age. We decided to "adopt" JC's family for Christmas. When his grandmother got the message, she just cried. Of course we included gifts for JC as well.
Tracy came to me in tears to tell me how she thought that she would have no financial issues this year, but unexpectedly her son was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The medical bills were mounting with no end in sight. She was able to come through our toy room and pick out gifts for all of her children. My son Nathan got to be her "elf" and really bonded with her. Her family is in our prayers. She was so thankful not only for the gifts, but to share her story.
The list goes on. So many were blessed with the generosity of others. We had enough toys to call about 1/2 of our reserve list and give to several other charities and churches. Our biggest need was food. It still is. Our cupboard is bare after helping all of these people. HOPE Foundation and Central Florida Dream Center came to our rescue along with several Publix locations. We still need to rebuild our stores for the clients who continue to come in.
Next year will be more challenging. The hard to employ will become even harder to employ. There is a great deal of competition with our job fairs and our job board. The market is tougher and unemployment may rise. We have faith that God will continue to see us through as we embark on our 2008 journey. We ask that you keep Christian HELP is your prayers. Thank you for all you do.
-and God Bless!
