Dear Family, Friends and Website Visitors,

First of all, let me thank you for all your caring and support to help make my Ministry a reality.  This year we well be able to lighten the load and lift the spirits of more than 200 people. 

OK, now to the business at hand.  October certainly was a windfall month.  It started off with a Community Service Project at Desert Valley School.  The National Junior Honor Society there chose my Ministry as the recipient of their fund drive.  The enclosed picture shows the items they collected  [and believe me, those boxes were stuffed].  It worked out so well that they decided to make this an annual event, [WOO HOO!].  Many thanks to all involved especially the NJHS students.  They showed maturity and concern by taking on a task to help others.  Hopefully this experience will become a very important part of their growing foundation.  I would also like to thank their advisors for the guidance instilled in the students to help mold them into quality individuals.  I appreciate them and their efforts.

And speaking of Desert Valley,  we have yet another donation of items.  Another friend of mine dropped off stuff, and more stuff that was collected for the needy.  I was thrilled with everything but, more importantly, I was touched by yet another friend and colleague that wanted to help.  Even though I retired from Desert Valley over 2 years ago, its good to know that you keep bonds with those that have been a part of your life.  And as I have said before,

"MAKE NEW FRIENDS AND KEEP THE OLD, ONE IS SILVER AND THE OTHER GOLD."

In closing may I add that if you weren't a pack rat before, I bet you are now.  Just knowing that those pesky items that are taking up space will finally find themselves in the hands of those in need.

I really wasn't trying to give anyone more in depth cleaning out of closets, drawers, storage areas, attics, under beds, in between cushions, through luggage, pockets and I guess just about every nook and cranny you can think of.  But, in all honesty, didn't it feel good to purge your home of all that extra clutter,  knowing that it will create comfort and a positive boost for others.

I thank all of you again for helping to make this possible And as I pass out these gift bags on Thanksgiving, please know that:

THROUGH YOUR HEARTS, YOU HAVE TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF OTHERS.

My next update will include pictures of the big day and feel good stories.  Until then,

Blessings to All,

Lauren