12 Days of Christmas for the Poor & Forgotten
Hampton Roads, Virginia -- The man happily looked at his newly shaven face. Living
on a limited income, there hadn't been money for a simple razor. But he had just received a shaving
kit during the Christmas party. He was so excited that he immediately ran to the bathroom. This
special man was one of almost 200 men and women that enjoyed an Operation Blessing sponsored Christmas
party at Virginia Beach's, Beach House -- a safe haven for the mentally ill. This is just one of
the exciting holiday outreaches being held during the "12 Days of Christmas"!
While her friend was shaving, Rita was trying her new perfume gift set. Having lived with
depression for most of her life, this middle-aged woman began coming to the Beach House 14 years
ago. Rita's illness would take her into seclusion, but now she fights it with the support of Beach
House's loving staff and her sister. Looking at the festivities around her, Rita commented, "Operation
Blessing has always taken the time to care for us. Thank you for doing this party this year."
Frank, 55, is also a Beach House member. For the last 22 years, he has worked in their thrift
store and loves to help the other members in any way possible. Playing the part of Santa Claus
during the party, he joyfully passed out the Operation Blessing gifts to everyone. "We thank
God with all of our hearts for what you've done for us," he expressed. "You gave us
such a blessing."
Mental illness doesn't leave any age, race or gender untouched. Jonathan, 24, has been receiving
the support of the people of Beach House for seven years. Over time, this young man has broken
through barriers enough to have his own apartment. In January he will begin graphic design classes!
During the party he said, "Thanks for your help!"
12 Days, 12 Ways
The members at Beach House are just a few of the precious people that are receiving special
attention during our new "12 Days of Christmas" program. Each day we are focusing on
unique ways to bless groups normally overlooked during the holiday cheer. Already this week, teams
of volunteers have spent time with teens living in a crisis house during a pizza party, distributed
gifts to families with loved ones in prison and treated women living in emergency shelters to
a day of beauty while other volunteers cared for their small children. The "12 Days of Christmas"
keeps going this weekend! We will be helping with a Christmas Fiesta to migrant workers on Virginia's
Eastern Shore as well as bringing gifts to homeless families.
Don't forget about next week. Volunteers and staff will bring the holidays to hundreds of visually
impaired men and women, seniors, those with developmental disabilities, foster children and shut-ins.
Stay tuned next week for more of these life changing stories.
Operation Blessing's Holiday of Hope activities aren't only going on in Virginia. With the help
of our partners, Operation Blessing will bring holiday joy to tens of thousands of hurting men,
women and children across the United States as well as around the world! You can be a part of
this wonderful time by giving your gift of $50 or more today! Give an online gift of $50 or more
this month and receive our beautiful Calendar of Caring, perfect for your home during
2004!
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