Hollister Community Christmas Outreach

This is the season we think of Christmas cheer, food, fun, gifts, and bountiful blessings. We see images of bright eyed children opening that special gift that brings shrieks of joy and tables laden with delicious food. Unfortunately that is not the scene in many homes as families struggle for day to day necessities. There are many wonderful organizations both locally and nationally that help make

the holidays brighter. However, as big and wonderful these organizations are, there are children and families that slip through the cracks and are left out. There are numerous reasons for this; some families are just not aware of the services; sometimes they miss the deadline to qualify to receive help and many times it is because the family has just been added to the ranks of being a needy family. Often times they are embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help. Through personal outreach, I am aware of a few families in our community who have needs for food, clothing and that special gift that will make a child’s Christmas a joy. Very close to my heart are teenage kids who are often overlooked because most people focus on the younger children. As more people became aware of my outreach, my list has become a bit longer this year. I am asking your help to complete the list so that no child in these families be left out. I have been blessed by local merchants, one being the owner of She’s Clothing, who has allowed me to place a Christmas tree and donation gift box in her store to gather gifts. I have also been blessed by other local business people and organizations with donations of cash and gift cards. A recent report in the Associated Press dated November 30, 2012, from the CA State Attorney Generals office states that more than one-half of California donations are lost to administration and overhead. I want to assure you that this is a total volunteer outreach with 100% of your contribution going directly to those in need. Would you like to be blessed by being a blessing in completing our list of things still need? Three Christmas trees and ornaments. Fresh Fruit, vegetables, turkeys, ham, canned goods, baked goods, dairy and other trimmings, toys or Gift Certificates would be greatly appreciated. We will make baskets of food appropriate to each family. We have wicker baskets waiting to be filled. The families we have include with children ranging from toddlers thru teens. Thank you so very much for your generosity. May you have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.