Tuesday, December 28, 2010

I just wanted to take a moment to give my heartfelt thanks...

I just wanted to take a moment to give my heartfelt thanks to everyone who had a part in the Christian HELP Christmas program this year. We were truly blessed and overwhelmed by the generosity of the community and individuals who brought in toys, volunteered, did toy and food drives, and gave financially. Those of you who gave your time through volunteering left such an impression on our team. Your generosity with your time and willingness to go the extra mile amazed us daily. We saw angels in action.

The clients who experienced the program saw the goodness in people who made a difference in their lives for just a short time. Adopted families were blessed as they saw other families who did not even know them embrace their families and make Christmas special.

Our team at Christian HELP went above and beyond to make this event successful. I appreciate each and every one of them so much.
I saw God in action daily. I pray you did too.
Thank you and God Bless-

Sandi Vidal
Executive Director

P.S. Christian HELP works with People all year round to help them move forward and obtain jobs. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, please click the Donate Now or the Contact Us link on the http://christianhelp.org site.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Thank you for your Prayers and Support!

Fridays were a stressful day at Ronnie's company. That was the day layoffs were announced. After making it through a few Friday's of layoffs and even being told he was doing a great job, Ronnie learned on a Thursday 2 weeks before Thanksgiving that his job of 12 years was gone.


Depression, anger, shock, and fear were just a few of the emotions this father of 2 teenagers felt when he heard the news. How would he be able to provide for his family? What was he supposed to do now? He hadn't looked for a job in 12 years.


This year was a tough one for Ronnie. He had surgery on his back 6 months ago and then his wife announced she was leaving and filed for divorce. There was a bitter custody battle resulting in lawyer fees, alimony, and child support. The house was sold for what they owed and all extras were given up. Forced back to work from leave too soon, to take care of the kids, Ronnie pushed himself to make ends meet.


In less than 6 months, Ronnie felt his entire world crash down. As he moved into a small apartment and sold off all of his things, he felt a chapter of his life close. Losing his job was the icing on the cake. At $275 a week (unemployment), with child support and alimony payments there is literally nothing left. Fortunate to have a sister in town, he is moving in to her house in January, but there is not much room for him there.


To make matters worse, his insurance ended November 30th for him and the kids. He is waiting to see what cobra will cost. Trying to be strong every day for the kids, he is melting inside. His role is to be the provider and he is struggling to provide. He has reached out to his networking contacts and is updating his resume and looking for a job. He has heard it takes longer and salaries are lower these days.

Fortunately he has God, some family, and Christian HELP to see him through this time. His kids will have Christmas due to the generosity of strangers. There is food on his table and he can stay in his apartment one more month because of your's and others kindness. It is primarily through the support of individuals Christian HELP can be here to meet the needs of people like Ronnie.

Christian HELP relies almost entirely on the support of individuals, remaining independent of any government money. Please donate now if you can, and help ease the pain of those going through tough times.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Toy Drive Drop Off Locations

Thank you for blessing a child in need with Christmas this year. Toys can be dropped off at any of the following Dove Tree locations by December 15th. After December 15th, please drop off at the main Christian HELP office.

Christian HELP 450 Seminola Blvd, Casselberry, FL 32707
Demetree Chiropractic – 3 locations Altamonte, Oviedo, Sanford
Willow Creek Church, Winter Springs
Starling Chevrolet, Kissimmee and St. Cloud
First Baptist Church Longwood
Northland, a Church Distributed, Longwood
Wekiva Presbyterian Church, Longwood
Gulf States Credit Union, HWY 17-92, Maitland
Big Ten Tires, Waterford Lakes
Cruise Adventure Travel, Downtown Orlando
Aloma Baptist Church
Victorio’s Restaurant Casselberry and Winter Springs
Jason’s Deli, Altamonte
WonderWorks - $5.00 off admission with a TOY!
City Arts, Downtown Orlando
Qdoba Mexican Grill, 3 locations in Orlando, Altamonte, Maitland, or Sanford
Mechanics Plus - Casselberry
Red Brick Pizza Kissimmee and Altamonte Locations

Pick up Dove Cards at M&M Vitamins- Lake Mary Blvd