During the Christian HELP Christmas Program, an email confirmation came in from a soldier who wanted to adopt two families for Christmas. At first we were a little skeptical, because the soldier was on active duty in Europe. How could this work? How would he get the gifts and food to the families or our office? So we emailed the soldier and asked these questions. He said he would order everything online and have it delivered to Christian HELP, and asked if we could wrap them. We said yes! This was unbelievable!
In the days that followed, packages started to come in for his two adopted families. We put everything away and sent email confirmations to the soldier, to let him know what had been delivered. It was an exciting process. Packages were coming in randomly, so we had to record and insure the right gifts went to the right family. The soldier had been given the telephone numbers of his adopted families and called them, but insisted on remaining anonymous. The first family he called was an Egyptian refugee, who spoke Arabic as did the soldier!
It was getting close to the dates, that the families would come to the office to pick up their Christmas adoption and we were still missing one gift, dance clothing for a little girl. A few of us were getting nervous and just prayed that the Lord would make it come in on time. About one half hour later the last gift came in! We cheered; were so happy and were now able to call the two families to come pick up!
When the families came in, they were overwhelmed and the tears just flowed. The questioned asked was, “is this all for us?” speaking almost in a dream state of unbelief. We said yes. The families were humble and so very thankful to have been blessed in such a big way. We took a photo of each family and emailed it to the Solider. We asked how did you hear about Christian HELP’s Christmas program? He said through his sister in Florida.
As usual, God came through at all the right times and you helped in a huge way by making it possible to have all that was necessary on our end. Thanks for helping with the other 602 families who got Christmas in 2011.
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Friday, January 13, 2012
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.
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
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
Monday, November 29, 2010
Ministry Wish List
People often ask the questions "How can I help?" and "What more do you need?" This is a list of some of the areas we can use help with. Thank you!
Non-perishable food and baby items for our pantry
Turkeys and Hams for Christmas
Toys & Gifts (0-17), batteries (all sizes), and gift wrap for Christmas
Toiletries and cleaning supplies for our clients
Office Supplies- paper, pens, black markers, tape, clipboards
Bibles for our clients- can be purchased for just over $2.00 from American Bible publishers
White boards in good condition; white board markers
Tissues, paper products, cleaning supplies, zip lock bags
Plastic grocery bags, egg cartons
Prizes for Charity Challenge and Christmas in July Silent Auction
Employment Leads- are you hiring- know anyone who is? We would like to know!
Graphic designer for posters and flyers
Printing
We are in need of additional space- if you know of someone who can help us with this, please let us know
Volunteers- Employment Counseling, Food Pantry, Special Projects, Public Relations/Marketing, Dove Tree Drivers, Christmas volunteers
Prayer- we are always in need of prayer
Contact our office at 407-834-4022 Jackie Bradley for Volunteers, Jackie Normand for other interests.
We appreciate you thinking of us!
Non-perishable food and baby items for our pantry
Turkeys and Hams for Christmas
Toys & Gifts (0-17), batteries (all sizes), and gift wrap for Christmas
Toiletries and cleaning supplies for our clients
Office Supplies- paper, pens, black markers, tape, clipboards
Bibles for our clients- can be purchased for just over $2.00 from American Bible publishers
White boards in good condition; white board markers
Tissues, paper products, cleaning supplies, zip lock bags
Plastic grocery bags, egg cartons
Prizes for Charity Challenge and Christmas in July Silent Auction
Employment Leads- are you hiring- know anyone who is? We would like to know!
Graphic designer for posters and flyers
Printing
We are in need of additional space- if you know of someone who can help us with this, please let us know
Volunteers- Employment Counseling, Food Pantry, Special Projects, Public Relations/Marketing, Dove Tree Drivers, Christmas volunteers
Prayer- we are always in need of prayer
Contact our office at 407-834-4022 Jackie Bradley for Volunteers, Jackie Normand for other interests.
We appreciate you thinking of us!
Friday, November 12, 2010
A local Christmas Story- can you help?
An adoption application from one of our clients today:
I came here in hopes for getting a better a better job, so that I can provide a basic standard of living for my son. I was in a bad marriage. We came to Florida for a new life. He was 10 then. We lived humbly sleeping on a floor and eating oatmeal for dinner. My son’s response was “Mom, I thank God for you.”
He has a 3.5 GPA and is studying to be an engineer. He was accepted at Bishop Moore, but I lost my job. He is a tall, gentle, skinny kid. He tells me to put one slice of meat in the bread because our food has to last, and pretends to be full, so that I will eat more.
I want his remaining teenage years with me to be comfortable. Since losing my job we are down to humble means again, but ALIVE with the Spirit of the Lord. We pray together and that’s what keeps us going.
He needs a computer with enough RAM memory to keep up with his school. I am really surprised that you offer to help with gifts. I cannot provide this for him. My number one concern is for food and rent. Whether we are gifted or not, I am humbled and truly appreciative just for your kindness in asking and caring. TS
I came here in hopes for getting a better a better job, so that I can provide a basic standard of living for my son. I was in a bad marriage. We came to Florida for a new life. He was 10 then. We lived humbly sleeping on a floor and eating oatmeal for dinner. My son’s response was “Mom, I thank God for you.”
He has a 3.5 GPA and is studying to be an engineer. He was accepted at Bishop Moore, but I lost my job. He is a tall, gentle, skinny kid. He tells me to put one slice of meat in the bread because our food has to last, and pretends to be full, so that I will eat more.
I want his remaining teenage years with me to be comfortable. Since losing my job we are down to humble means again, but ALIVE with the Spirit of the Lord. We pray together and that’s what keeps us going.
He needs a computer with enough RAM memory to keep up with his school. I am really surprised that you offer to help with gifts. I cannot provide this for him. My number one concern is for food and rent. Whether we are gifted or not, I am humbled and truly appreciative just for your kindness in asking and caring. TS
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Can you HELP at Christmas?
Imagine a little 8 year old girl, waiting for Christmas to come with youthful anticipation, waking up on Christmas morning not only to see there are no gifts under the tree, but there is no tree.
Imagine a single dad doing all he can to provide for his family having to make do with a Christmas dinner of Ramen noodles.
Imagine a wife who has lost her husband after 20 years of marriage because he “doesn’t love her anymore”, trying to wrestle with her own issues and provide a nice Christmas for her children when she hasn’t had a job in several years.
Christian HELP has been providing Christmas to families in need for 15 years through the generous support of the community. This year the need is even bigger than ever. Unemployment is up, salaries are down, and underemployment is at an all time high. People are suffering. Some don’t even want to think about Christmas because it puts a knot in their stomach knowing that they cannot provide for their families. They dread the sadness in their children’s eyes when the kids say “Mommy it is ok, we can do without.”
Each Christmas we work with businesses, churches, and individuals to provide Christmas for needy families in the Central Florida area. This year we have a new challenge as one of our large sponsors will not be able to participate with us. This makes it even more challenging to provide for all of the need. The families we see are experiencing unemployment or under-employment as a result of the economy. We are working with them at Christian HELP to provide skills training, resume assistance, and coaching in order to help them obtain employment.
We are asking you to consider placing a Dove Tree in your location or Collection box for a toy drive for our HELP GIVE Christmas event. The Dove tree comes with Dove cards labeled from newborn to age 17. Each card has 3 gift suggestions people can select from and return the unwrapped gifts to your location. Volunteer drivers will come and pick up the gifts to be distributed at Christian HELP. Generally the tree goes up the week of Thanksgiving until the week before distribution.
Volunteers are welcome to come and participate in the Distribution process in December. Please consider helping us to help our community. We can make a difference, one family at a time.
About us:
Christian HELP is a non profit devoted to preventing homelessness by helping the unemployed find jobs while providing for them materially and spiritually. Last year, we were able to help over 6,000 people find jobs, we gave away over half a million pounds of food, helped 644 families to have Christmas, and spent $56,000 keeping people in their homes and the lights on.
Additionally, if you would like to get involved in other ways, please visit our website at www.Christianhelp.org or come and see us at one of our Monthly luncheons.
We appreciate your generosity.
Imagine a single dad doing all he can to provide for his family having to make do with a Christmas dinner of Ramen noodles.
Imagine a wife who has lost her husband after 20 years of marriage because he “doesn’t love her anymore”, trying to wrestle with her own issues and provide a nice Christmas for her children when she hasn’t had a job in several years.
Christian HELP has been providing Christmas to families in need for 15 years through the generous support of the community. This year the need is even bigger than ever. Unemployment is up, salaries are down, and underemployment is at an all time high. People are suffering. Some don’t even want to think about Christmas because it puts a knot in their stomach knowing that they cannot provide for their families. They dread the sadness in their children’s eyes when the kids say “Mommy it is ok, we can do without.”
Each Christmas we work with businesses, churches, and individuals to provide Christmas for needy families in the Central Florida area. This year we have a new challenge as one of our large sponsors will not be able to participate with us. This makes it even more challenging to provide for all of the need. The families we see are experiencing unemployment or under-employment as a result of the economy. We are working with them at Christian HELP to provide skills training, resume assistance, and coaching in order to help them obtain employment.
We are asking you to consider placing a Dove Tree in your location or Collection box for a toy drive for our HELP GIVE Christmas event. The Dove tree comes with Dove cards labeled from newborn to age 17. Each card has 3 gift suggestions people can select from and return the unwrapped gifts to your location. Volunteer drivers will come and pick up the gifts to be distributed at Christian HELP. Generally the tree goes up the week of Thanksgiving until the week before distribution.
Volunteers are welcome to come and participate in the Distribution process in December. Please consider helping us to help our community. We can make a difference, one family at a time.
About us:
Christian HELP is a non profit devoted to preventing homelessness by helping the unemployed find jobs while providing for them materially and spiritually. Last year, we were able to help over 6,000 people find jobs, we gave away over half a million pounds of food, helped 644 families to have Christmas, and spent $56,000 keeping people in their homes and the lights on.
Additionally, if you would like to get involved in other ways, please visit our website at www.Christianhelp.org or come and see us at one of our Monthly luncheons.
We appreciate your generosity.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Relying on God
Helping people can be tough. The needs are diverse and many times much bigger than one person or one agency can handle. Throw in a wrench like losing a contributing grocery store to a change in company policy or a supporting church to declining donations and it becomes harder. The good news is God is in control and He always provides.
Tomorrow I am speaking about trends in the economy and hiring. In May Central Florida lost 135,000 jobs and unemployment is still in the double digits at 11.1%. We are desparately trying to find a silver lining in the economy and an end to all of the tough times.
You are still providing hope, encouragement, love, and prayer to the unemployed. Still providing job seekers with job leads, coaching, skills classes, and free resumes. The pantry may have less some days, but like the loaves and fishes, God stretches what we have and you provide the prayers and the means.
I am encouraged every time a job seeker lands a job. Every time someone gives us good news and lets us know how much your support of Christian HELP helped them. We recently profiled James in our e-newletter. At 59, he thought he would never land a job, but HE DID. He is now on his way back to stability. There are so many others who have landed jobs and we celebrate.
Our work is not done. It is through you and others like you, God provides for Christian HELP. Thank you for your support.
I hope you will join us at Christmas in July on the 23rd. It is certain to be a great event!
Be blessed,
Sandi
Tomorrow I am speaking about trends in the economy and hiring. In May Central Florida lost 135,000 jobs and unemployment is still in the double digits at 11.1%. We are desparately trying to find a silver lining in the economy and an end to all of the tough times.
You are still providing hope, encouragement, love, and prayer to the unemployed. Still providing job seekers with job leads, coaching, skills classes, and free resumes. The pantry may have less some days, but like the loaves and fishes, God stretches what we have and you provide the prayers and the means.
I am encouraged every time a job seeker lands a job. Every time someone gives us good news and lets us know how much your support of Christian HELP helped them. We recently profiled James in our e-newletter. At 59, he thought he would never land a job, but HE DID. He is now on his way back to stability. There are so many others who have landed jobs and we celebrate.
Our work is not done. It is through you and others like you, God provides for Christian HELP. Thank you for your support.
I hope you will join us at Christmas in July on the 23rd. It is certain to be a great event!
Be blessed,
Sandi
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Upcoming Events at Christian HELP
Each month from January to September Christian HELP holds a lunch and tour so you can "Come and See" what God is doing at Christian HELP. The next tour will be June 7th and we would love to have you attend. The lunch starts at noon and ends around 1:00 PM. You can RSVP to jackie@christianhelp.org.
We have the 14th Annual Job fair this week on May 19th Featuring over 70 employers, educational opportunities, and job seeker resources. This is a great way to meet employers face to face. Details and registration are online at http://cfec.org.
On May 26th at 3:00 PM at the Christian HELP office, we will have our online search tips class with Michael Johnson as the trainer. The class helps job seekers to prepare for job search online.
The next day on May 27th we have our 4th Re-Charge and Re-Energize your job search seminar sponsored by WESH Channel 2. This seminar will help job seekers with interviewing, job search survival, and image. Job seeker resources will be available. Register online at http://cfec.org.
In July we will have our 3rd Annual Christmas in July event featuring musical entertainment, Melony McKaye from Z88.3 Radio, a Silent Auction, and a Dessert social. All are welcome to attend. Proceeds from the auction benefit the Christian HELP community Christmas Program.
Check our website often for other upcoming events and tell your friends!
We have the 14th Annual Job fair this week on May 19th Featuring over 70 employers, educational opportunities, and job seeker resources. This is a great way to meet employers face to face. Details and registration are online at http://cfec.org.
On May 26th at 3:00 PM at the Christian HELP office, we will have our online search tips class with Michael Johnson as the trainer. The class helps job seekers to prepare for job search online.
The next day on May 27th we have our 4th Re-Charge and Re-Energize your job search seminar sponsored by WESH Channel 2. This seminar will help job seekers with interviewing, job search survival, and image. Job seeker resources will be available. Register online at http://cfec.org.
In July we will have our 3rd Annual Christmas in July event featuring musical entertainment, Melony McKaye from Z88.3 Radio, a Silent Auction, and a Dessert social. All are welcome to attend. Proceeds from the auction benefit the Christian HELP community Christmas Program.
Check our website often for other upcoming events and tell your friends!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Christmas in July- 2nd Annual Event
Next Friday wil be our 2nd Annual Christmas in July. We hope to see you there. While it is a fundraiser for our Community Christmas program, we also consider it a friend raiser as well. It is a wonderful opportunity for the team at Christian HELP to spend time together socially with each other, with our volunteers, with our supporters, and with our community.
This year we were blessed to get Melony McKaye back as our MC. Melony is the midday host at Z radio and a wonderful part of the Christian HELP Board of Advisors. We also have an up and coming country star, Johnny Bulford, winner of the 2009 Colgate Country showdown. He is a country singer with a wonderful voice and some beautiful songs. The event is FREE, but for a small additional fee we will feed you finger foods and you can meet and rub elbows with Johnny.
DESSERTS that will rock your diet will be on hand. We have a chocolate Fountain and cheesecakes, cupcakes, and cookies galore.
The Silent Auction is available for preview on http://christianhelp.org. We have hotel stays, spa packages, theme park tickets and more.
Best of all it is a family event and KinderCare Learning Centers will provide free childcare for ages 2-10, just let us know you are coming.
We would LOVE to see you there. More details on the Christian HELP site.
May God Bless you as you bless others.
This year we were blessed to get Melony McKaye back as our MC. Melony is the midday host at Z radio and a wonderful part of the Christian HELP Board of Advisors. We also have an up and coming country star, Johnny Bulford, winner of the 2009 Colgate Country showdown. He is a country singer with a wonderful voice and some beautiful songs. The event is FREE, but for a small additional fee we will feed you finger foods and you can meet and rub elbows with Johnny.
DESSERTS that will rock your diet will be on hand. We have a chocolate Fountain and cheesecakes, cupcakes, and cookies galore.
The Silent Auction is available for preview on http://christianhelp.org. We have hotel stays, spa packages, theme park tickets and more.
Best of all it is a family event and KinderCare Learning Centers will provide free childcare for ages 2-10, just let us know you are coming.
We would LOVE to see you there. More details on the Christian HELP site.
May God Bless you as you bless others.
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