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 | What would you say to your children if you had no food for Thanksgiving dinner?
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| Lazarus House Ministries, Inc | October enews 2010 |
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"I would do anything for my kids. I would go out and knock on doors and ask people to share!"
 Minerva Negron knows what it feels like to be hungry. A few years ago she was told by a friend about the Lazarus House food pantry, but didn't want to go. Minerva reflected, "I felt there were people that needed the food more than I did. It was hard to come here; I was living alone, depressed, and I felt ashamed." Now in addition to receiving food, she is volunteering her time to help others in the food pantry.
After a major accident and two back surgeries she is no longer able to work and is on disability. Her reduced income initially brought her to St. Claire's Food Pantry, but it is also Minerva's love of the people that brings her back every week to volunteer. "I thank God that I asked for help and for bringing me to Lazarus House so that I can be here for others," said Minerva. As a former nurse's aide, she is able to use her experience caring for others to be a listening ear to the people that are at the pantry to get groceries. Minerva explained, "When I volunteer at the pantry I see these people who need help; they have big problems and want to talk to someone. When the people come here they get kindness, food and a friend. When they leave I see their smiles - I see Jesus in their smiles."
After a few minutes sitting with Minerva, it's hard not to smile and feel the sincerity of her concern for other people. She marvels at the resiliency of the people coming to the pantry. They try to feed two or three extended families living in an apartment on one minimum-wage paycheck. One young woman with four children confided to Minerva that she lost her job and it was hard for her to admit she needed to come to the food pantry, but whatever it was that she needed to do for her kids - she'd do it!
Minerva offers a parting thought to those of you with young children, "As you sit down to your Thanksgiving dinner and look around the table at all the food and your children, how would you feel if there was no food on the Thanksgiving table? If it was me, I would do anything for my kids. I would go out and knock on doors and ask people to share their food. What would it cost you to share your food with other children? Some people have too much and those with nothing appreciate everything they are given. So if you give, even just a little . . . I know you will go to bed with a smile on your face, because you did something good for someone today!"
The St. Claire Food Pantry provides 650+ families a week with groceries impacting the lives of 2,000 men, women and children. In addition, as we approach the holiday season we will need Thanksgiving and Christmas boxes for qualifying families. For many in desperate need, Lazarus House Ministries, Inc. is both the last line of defense and the first ray of hope; join us in the fight to prevent hunger during the holidays! |
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Consider donating a holiday food box for Thanksgiving or Christmas
Circle any item(s) that have not been added.
- When all food items have been placed in box, fold box tops shut. Do not tape boxes; this will be done by Lazarus House Staff.
- Soup cans do not have to be brands shown on Holiday Food List, can size is the most important. All soups are useable regardless of brand or variety.
- Please, no Glass Containers as they can be broken easily
- Odds & Ends can be a variety of items. Recommended items would be; Rice -Individual Microwavable Pasta/Soup - Ramen Noodles.
- Pack boxes so that they are neat and orderly.
Drop off Location is at St. Claire's Food Pantry, 242 Hampshire Street, Lawrence , 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. or for large orders schedule a pick-up by Lazarus House Staff. Enjoy the making of these Holiday Food Boxes as they will be distributed to families that will be delighted in receiving them. Long after the food has been used will be the memories that people that they did not know cared
enough to assist in making their families happier and comforted.
Volunteer to help put together holiday boxes by calling Kelly Townsend, Volunteer Coordinator at 978-269-5217 or email volunteer@lazarushouse.org |
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'Sharing our Bounty' Dinner/Auction
Sneak preview of some exciting auction items! For ticket, sponsorship or auction information contact KMC Productions, Inc. at (781) 356-6616 or email Kelly Crabbe at KCrabbe@kmcproductions.com
Boston Celtics Luxury Suite Thursday, December 6, 2010, at 7:30 p.m.
Searles Castle Dinner for Six A five-course dinner with wine, prepared by Simply Elegant Caterers.
Private Dinner in your Home prepared by Chef Elaine Chirichiello Dinner for ten with wine prepared by Andover Country Club Executive Chef, Elaine Chirichiello.
BostonBruins vs.Tampa Bay Lightening
Thursday, December 2, 2010 with front row seats right
behind the goalie!
Private Dinner in your Home prepared by Chef Elias Tannous A Mediterranean meal for 15 prepared by Chef Elias Tannous.
Odyssey Dinner Cruise for Eight Sail Boston Harbor upon the Odyssey!
Dinner at The Rear Range Lighthouse, Newburyport Enjoy one of Yankee magazine's "2010 Top 10 Things to Do!" Use the accompanying $100 gift certificate for dinner from Joseph's Winter Street Cafe.
Andrea Bocelli Concert Sunday, December 5, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. Section A, Row 13, Seats 9 and 10. Includes a $50 gift certificate for dinner at Antico Forno in the North End.
Outdoor Storage Shed Extension Kit Shed is 8' x 12.5' and 90 square feet. A $200 Home Depot gift card is also included for the foundation.
New England Patriots vs. Jets Luxury Box Monday December 6, 2010 at 8:30 p.m! Two tickets in Section 32, row 20, seats 21 and 22. Premier parking pass included.
Four Seasons Boston
One-night stay for two in deluxe accommodations with breakfast and over-night parking.
Two-Night Stay at Bretton Woods Condo Two-nights slope sidein a luxury condo in Bretton Woods, NH. Five-bedroom condo with grand fireplaces, full length decks and cathedral ceilings.
This year your ticket includes free entry to the after party with live jazz music. Take a chance on a raffle where you can melt an ice cube to win a diamond necklace or great gift certificates.
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Project Bethlehelm & Community Giving Tree
Project Bethlehem is a program organized by Lazarus House to help families in the Greater Lawrence area with gifts for Christmas. Families who are in dire need are referred to Lazarus House from schools and agencies. The families are then "adopted" by compassionate people who are willing to purchase select items, individually wrap them and deliver them to Lazarus House, where they are distributed to the families just before Christmas. In many cases, these are the only Christmas gifts these families will receive. If you are interested in participating in this program or would like additional information contact Gay Bird at 978-269-5204 or email projectbethlehem@lazarushouse.org
Through your joyous generosity, the Holiday Giving Tree helps provide Christmas presents for all the families and individuals who are living in our shelter. The list contains a variety of items, including sizes for clothing, underwear, socks, etc. For more information or to schedule a donation contact Donna Leone at donna@lazarushouse.org or call 978-269-5207.
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Spotlight
50/50 raffle at the Boston Bruins vs. Florida Panthers on Thursday, November 18, 2010 game. 50% of the proceeds go to Lazarus House, 50% to Bruins Charitable Foundation. Purchase tickets. "The First Course" pre-Thanksgiving 5 Mile/5K Run/Walk. Sunday, November 21, 2010 at 10 am, The Fireside Restaurant in Methuen. Register online at www.thefirstcourse.info Celebrate Thanksgiving by helping to feed and provide for your neighbors! In lieu of a fee, registrants are asked to donate food from 9 am - 4 pm. |
| Lazarus House Open House Tours
Take a tour of our facilities and programs to see first-hand how your generosity is being used to help homeless, hungry people in the Merrimack Valley get back on their feet. We promise your visit will be both inspiring and informative!
Open House Information
1st Tuesday of the month Date: Nov. 2, 2010 Time: Starting at 3 pm
Meet at: Good Shepherd Center, 412 Hampshire Street, Lawrence
Tours are also available by appointment, call 978-689-8575 to schedule.
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Fax (978) 682-7004 |
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