It is a hard year for many families nationally and globally. With so much going on in our own lives it is easy to lose sight of the reality that many are still recovering from crises like this month's tornados, the Gulf Oil spill, Hurricanes of recent years and the devastating earthquake in Haiti.
Somebody Cares is still engaged in regional recovery efforts and internationally, we're still sending teams and engaged in rebuilding and recovery efforts in Haiti - increased in light of the recent Cholera outbreak.
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| Christmas distribution in San Antonio |
Yet as the holidays approach, individuals and families across the nation are looking to Somebody Cares for help for the most basic of needs.
"My heart breaks as I answer the phone and have to tell someone we cannot help", Karen our part-time volunteer receptionist shared with tears in her eyes today. "Just yesterday someone called in need of rent and another needed help with their electric bill but we're unable to help." It's been quite a while since Somebody Cares Houston has had funding to help with these kinds of benevolence needs. Karen asked if they have called other agencies and the answer is often "yes but they're out of funds too. " "I encourage them to make sure they call the agencies on the first of the month when they're more likely able to help. It's simply heart-breaking but we do pray with and for each of them." We receive calls like this on a daily basis.
Perhaps you are facing economic challenges and we understand. Our office is already receiving calls from parents and grandparents alike asking what help we will be providing for Christmas. Every year Somebody Cares is approached about countless children and families around the country who
face desperate circumstances. With unemployment over 10% according to Gallup, the number of families in crisis is higher than it has been in recent years. From Thanksgiving meals for the homeless in New England, to Holiday grocery bags in San Angelo, to toys for children in Houston - Somebody Cares is preparing to reach out as a tangible expression of Christ to those needing a glimpse of His goodness. That is what Somebody Cares is all about -- being the tangible expression of God's love to those He directs us to and brings our way.
On average Americans spend between $50 to $75 on a Thanksgiving meal for 10 people. And on average Americans spend between $450 to $800 on Christmas gifts. If you are financially able to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas with your family this year, please consider helping someone else through Somebody Cares.
Would you consider matching the cost of your Thanksgiving dinner so another family can celebrate?
Would you pray about giving the amount you will spend on gifts for one family member to Somebody Cares so needy children experience the love of their Savior this year?
Your gift of $75 by November 4th can provide a Thanksgiving meal for a family of 4.
Your gift of $50, $100, $250 or more by December 10th can help keep a family in their home, or supply Christmas items to children and their families this year.
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord, let us be His hands and feet so that the hurting and needing among us can rejoice like Mary and say "He has filled the hungry with good things!"(Celebrate with a gift today!)
Thank you for caring,
