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School's Out For Summer!
Welcome to the June issue of our newsletter. Time is passing so quickly, it's hard to believe that we've been in our ministry center for one full year and that we've completed the last Gift Event for the school year!
Thanks to our volunteers, we finished the Summer Gift Event on schedule. It's amazing how hard they worked to get the job done. But, then again, I'm always amazed at how tirelessly they work for the children, generously giving their time and talent. I am very grateful. I'm also thankful for the assistance we receive from the school coordinators, social workers, and drivers who pick up the gifts for distribution. If it weren't for you going above and beyond the already numerous demands in your daily schedules, the children wouldn't get what they need.
Your caring hearts make the My Joyful Heart program work, so to all of you - thank you for another great year of making the lives of children better. I look forward to working with you next school year and wish you a peaceful and beautiful summer.
For the children we serve,
Diane Carroll
Founder and Executive Director |
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How Your Support Helps Families
|  Thank you - this beautiful letter came to us because of your support!
"Thank you. The amount of effort that you've put into helping others is astronomical. I greatly appreciate what you've done for our family. Every little bit counts and those 'bits' mean the world to us. It is great people like you whose tireless efforts help the sun shine brighter. I am very grateful. The bible teaches us to wait on the Lord with good courage and the things that you need will come in abundance when you least expect it, and 'Joyful Hearts' is perfect in that timing. You have a great spirit and a beautiful mind and we can't thank you enough. Glory to God for allowing you to be a blessing in our lives. Thanks again with gratitude and admiration." |
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A Very Special Mother's Day Gift
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It was a surprise phone call, and it was the kind of call that validates the importance of our work. For each and every one of you, who support this organization, read on to learn how you impacted a life.
One of the My Joyful Heart "graduates," Richard, called to wish Diane a happy Mother's Day. Richard was in the My Joyful Heart program throughout grade school. Today, he's 25 years old, employed at Sam's Club, and is taking care of his mom.
During the call, he reiterated his feeling that he's the man he is today "because of My Joyful Heart" and added that he thinks of us "as a second family." He also went on to say that he remembers the first gift bag he received from us. He said it included toothpaste, deodorant, and other things he needed, but his mom could not afford. He asked his teacher who sent him these things and she told him "My Joyful Heart, because they care about you." His response to that was heartbreaking - he said "nobody cares about me!"
But, because of you, Richard continued to get gift bags with the things he desperately needed. He told Diane, "My Joyful Heart cared about me when no one else did; it made all the difference in my life." With Jesus in his life, Richard keeps joy in his heart because you cared! He is scheduled to speak at our annual Gala on November 12; we hope you will be there to hear him extend his gratitude to you in person!
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A Truckload of Hope
|  The Junior Board members got together to discuss their next project to help the kids. You might remember that their previous undertaking produced some pretty impressive results. They orchestrated a food drive where they collected hundreds of food items for the program children.
Well, this time they'll be collecting donations of all things new and used. There are a few exceptions - such as no furniture and no mattresses. However, they will welcome donations of items like magazines, books, shoes, small appliances like toasters and coffee makers, dishes, cookware, bedding, clothing, toys, games, and movies.
Once these items are collected, there is a company that will buy the donated items, paying by the pound. The proceeds will benefit the children enrolled in the My Joyful Heart program. The goal of our junior board is to fill an entire truck! And this ambitious group of teens isn't setting sights on a small pickup truck, they're hoping to fill a box truck!
To help the junior board reach their goal, please take this opportunity to "declutter" and drop off your donations to the ministry center Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., from now through June 20. |
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Put it in Writing!
|  We would like to extend a special invitation to you. In July we will be meeting at the ministry center to write short notes of encouragement to the children enrolled in the program. These notes will be included in their backpacks for the Back-to-School Gift Event. Most of our program children live without hearing things like "you've done a good job," "you are loved and cherished," or "someone is praying for you." And, we'd like to change that! We'll provide the paper and pens, all we need is you. If you can join us, please email us to reserve your spot. Your response is requested by July 5, 2016. |
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Baskets Needed
|  With the annual gala just around the corner, we need baskets for our silent auction items.
If you have baskets at home that you're not using, please consider donating them to us. Or, if you happen to see them at garage sales or thrift stores, please pick them up!
We are also collecting in-kind donations. If you own your own business or think your employer would be interested in advertising his/her business to hundreds of event attendees and My Joyful Heart supporters we'd be delighted to hear from you! Please email Kristen, Fundraising Event Coordinator, or call her at 805.806.1700.
Suggested donations include: Airfare, Artwork, Electronics, Family Friendly Destination Tickets, Gift Certificates, Hotel Stays, Jewelry, Spa Packages, Sports Tickets/Items, Theater Tickets, Travel Packages, and Weekend Getaway Packages. |
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P.S. Save the dates for these two exciting fundraisers:
Monday, September 12 - Caring for Kids Golf Classic
Silver Lake Country Club - Orland Park
Click here for details about the golf outing!
Saturday, November 12 - Annual Gala
Tuscany Falls Banquets & Events - Mokena
Click here for details about the gala!
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Contact Us:
p 815.806.1700
f 815.806.1710
information@myjoyfulheart.org
9981 W. 190th Street, Suite I, Mokena, IL 60448
Open Monday - Friday
9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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