Spreading Holiday Joy Across Tampa Bay
Christmas is almost here and our holiday program is in full swing across the country!
Thanks to our partners’ generosity, tens of thousands of impoverished children and
adults have been invited to holiday meals as well as received goodies like holiday groceries
and gifts of clothes and toys. Remember, even though the season may almost be over, you
have the opportunity to make a year-end gift that can keep on giving.
Right now our outreach center, Somebody Cares Tampa Bay, is busy helping those in need.
During last year’s holiday season, we had the honor of helping 2,121 people living
in Florida’s Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties; families like Pamela’s.
Pamela was a single mom with two sons ages 11 and 9. She made barley enough to survive
every month. There was not anything left over for Christmas gifts. But this parent was
more worried about not having enough food, and her boys desperately needed new clothing.
With no one to turn to, Pamela called almost every agency in the phonebook looking for
help. She finally rang Taking it to the Streets’ number.
A caring person at Taking it to the Streets, one of our local outreach center’s
contacts, answered Pamela’s telephone call. A list was made of the family’s
needs. When Pamela answered her door a few days later, she was shocked to see volunteers
from Taking it to the Streets on the other side. The guests carried in wrapped gifts
of clothes, toys and food. The family was overwhelmed with wonder that someone who did
not know them would bring Christmas to them!
“ …for what you all did for me and my family was the most greatest thing
a person could do,” wrote Pamela in a thank you note. “Because of you and
Jesus my kids were able to have a happy Merry Christmas, and I just want to say, ‘Thank
you’ from my heart. We love you!”
Kelly and Dwight were also having a hard time making ends meet. Living paycheck to
paycheck, the Floridian family’s budget did not allow them to buy any Christmas
presents for their two young children. Taking it to the Streets found about their need
and delivered food and wrapped gifts to the family. Dwight commented, “Operation
Blessing and Taking it to the Streets Ministry surprised my children with so many gifts.
Your love has made their eyes really look to the Lord!”
Gifts that Keep on Giving
It’s been said that many families are just two paychecks and one major illness
away from being homeless. For your gift of just $25, we can give a hungry family of
four enough food for an entire month!
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