Giving at....CHRISTmas.....don't we all?

This is the season of giving....charities abound and we all have our favorites....shopping with Cindy, Marina and Lynn the day after Thanksgiving, I was amazed as Cindy did her first buying for two pre-teens she had 'adopted' for the Christmas giving program....
Marina, a very knowledgeable and contemporary young lady of 'almost 13' helped Cindy as she had a 'wish list' to go by and they chose a beautiful bed spread set which included sheets, shams etc., not a cheap one by any means....but they disagreed over a matching 'throw pillow' as accent....
Cindy respected Marina's decision and it was fun to see their working relationship in a 'great' cause for someone else's needs.....and happiness.


Below is a note that I, and others, received from our daughter, Lynn, in regard to the St. Pete Dream Center which we did an outreach for in Sept....
Note***go to my Sept. 22, 2007 posting to see this Dream Center at work in the community....
Dear Giving Hearts,

This is one of the outreaches that Eden's Passion has contributed to in the past. They are in great need for Christmas assistance for some well needed families.
I ask those of you who can to contribute to this cause. If you were going to donate to a charity during the holidays this one is awesome.
You can contribute directly to Sharon Gonzalez the case worker or email me, or call me. I will be glad to take any donation to them for you. I pray God touches your heart to give.

Love you guys-
Michelle Lynn Santiago

drtdrm4him@yahoo.com

Here is the caseworker, Sharon Gonzalez's, note to Lynn about the need....

"The reason why I am sending you this e-mail is that we will be having a Christmas outreach in which we will be giving food baskets to 135 families that have signed up for assistance.

Within those families there are a total of 290 children that are in need of Christmas presents. There are so many children that we are currently short in the present dept. I am praying that maybe you will be able to help or know others that are wanting to put a smile on a child's face this Christmas by helping to provide gifts for the children. I am confident that God will not allow 1 child to go without receiving something. Any assistance that you may be able to provide would be a blessing. Even if you cannot assist in giving presents maybe you know someone who can.

I would also like you to please join me in prayer that God will open up the floodgates and the presents for the children will come pouring in.

Thanks,

Sharon....
This is info on the 'Dream Center'

St. Petersburg Dream Center You could pass by it a dozen times and never know it was there. But this little building nestled in a quiet Lealman Community strives to do great things.

The St. Petersburg Dream Center works daily to bring hope to the hopeless.

Director Sam Infanzon began this mission with a small blue mini van and a driving passion to reach out to people in need. In November of 2005 the Dream Center was blessed with a new location at 4359- 35th St. N. allowing them to expand the existing services offered that include Employment, Housing, Food, Clothing, Education, Food Stamps and other services such as disaster relief. In 2007 they added the re-entry program assisting ex-offenders in their return to self-sufficiency. The Center counts on community donations to keep its programs running. Currently the needs are for food, blankets, and volunteers. Financial donations are always appreciated and needed.
4359- 35th St. N. St. Petersburg, Florida

(727) 520-1909