A Sharing Christmas Thank You…
Hello Sharing Christmas Store Crew & Donors!
This is one email that could not go unsent. We are so grateful for you. For the toys you donated to this project and for those who demonstrated such hospitality and kindness toward those like myself who were blessed by your support. My children always have such long lists as they look through toy magazines each year, stating what seems to be their favorite words around this time "I want..." They never get all that they selected, but at the sight of what I have for them having selected from your store, that list is out of mind just as fast as I can get that book out of sight come Christmas week.
Our morning was somber as worshipful holiday music played throughout our home from the moment the kids awoke. It was reflective and light as we ate a quick breakfast, and begin reiterating truths regarding the birth of Christ, we opened the first gift. We spent the day enjoying the things we've opened and enjoying one another. They may not have been excited about every item initially, but when we got to dressing up in the new outfits (taking pictures and videos), putting together the Lego builds, racing the race cars around the house and outdoors, and reading the children's books that were gifted, our day was full of excitement and appreciation. This reminds me of the way it is as we come to know and grow in the knowledge of God.
They did not plunder through a pile of gifts but, we all enjoyed them together, one at a time. Every gift was as a prophetic word that waits for fulfillment/completion.
Thank you again for selecting my family to be apart of such a fantastic idea and work. May you reap bountifully by the hand of the Lord at work to bless your household and all those connected to you in Christ Jesus.
Crisis Care
Mercedes came to our office requesting assistance with her electric bill after receiving a disconnection notice. After exposure to COVID-19, she took time off work to isolate herself for the recommended period of time. While isolated, her employer let her go. As a single parent, she focused her reduced income on supplying her children's needs and fell behind on her utilities. Mercedes said, "I never thought I would be in this situation." She was hired back by her employer but had to start part-time for orientation. After reviewing her budget with her upcoming full-time income, the caseworker determined that expenses would be affordable. TCO was able to assist Mercedes with the disconnection amount for her electric bill. Mercedes and her kids kept their lights on.
“Thank you so much for your help in this case! I am so appreciative of people like you and the community outreach :) you have been so patient and helpful and I can’t thank you enough! I’m moving today! We are working on the lease as well! It’s just a blessing to have people who care and are genuine in times like this! So thank you again!” - Becca
“Thank you so much for helping me cover my rent deposit. Because of you and Community Outreach gifting this help to me, I will be able to have a nice home.” - Sharon
OneRoof
Jared entered the housing program because his credit was keeping him from finding an apartment on his own. While in OneRoof, Jared participated in Genesis Mentoring with a goal to get out of debt. His mentor helped him create graphs to track his progress, and Jared achieved his goal of being debt-free before his targeted date! Jared said, “He [my mentor] helped me build a foundation to start from scratch and not be intimidated.”
“We can never begin to explain how amazing everyone has been. To give us an apartment to feel safe and able to continue. This program has been the difference between living again rather than choosing to give up and give in.” - John and Olivia