Gratitude multiplied

Here is a Cheer from Van C. Taylor, executive director of the Kokomo Rescue Mission, to the community for its help this Christmas:

“I wish every volunteer and donor could experience firsthand the gratitude of the 1,144 families you’ve helped through Kokomo Rescue Mission’s Red Ribbon Christmas Outreach. We received the following note on three-hole notebook paper in response to a Red Ribbon Christmas box that was delivered by a volunteer to a home last Saturday. Multiply the gratitude of this family by 1,144 and you have an idea of the magnitude of what has been accomplished by a unique community of compassionate and generous people:

“‘I just want to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I am sorry I couldn’t afford Christmas cards. I would also like to thank you for the Christmas food and gifts. It has been hard for me and my kids this year. We were homeless 8 months. We got a home in November and we are so thankful! But you all are what has made this Christmas blessed for us. Thank you all. God bless [you]. – J.S.’

“As J.S. so eloquently said, ‘Thank you all. God bless [you].’ May each of you experience joy and peace this Christmas and in the coming year.”

A humbling experience

Mary Ingle and Brenda Underwood of Helping Hands Ministry send this Cheer:

“Cheers to Pastor Ruth Lawson, executive director, and her awesome staff from CAM for the programs that are being taught to the community about homeless awareness.

“On Nov. 20, CAM held the Grate American Sleepout. Participants were to live as a homeless person. This was a very humbling experience for all. We know that we only experienced a very small part as to what it is like to be homeless.

“The candlelight prayer vigil was held Dec. 21 on CAM’s front porch. This was a special memorial service for staff and clients of CAM who had passed away in 2009.

“We would also like to send a Cheer of thanks to everyone who has donated items (200-plus blankets, 300-plus hats, gloves, 250-plus socks, etc.) for Helping Hands Ministry to be passed out to those whom we serve food. Thanks to all who have donated food, come to serve, and visited with all who came to eat. This ministry could not be done without everyone’s help and love for people.

“Thank you all for having a servant’s heart and, most importantly, being Jesus’ hands and feet for our community.

“Thank you all and God bless!”

Children’s home thanks all

Charleen, on behalf of the Church of God of the Union Assembly, sends this Cheer:

“We would like to thank Barb of the Rescue Mission, Lynn of the Crisis Center, Ruth of CAM and the families of our church for all the love and compassion in seeing that the Children of Vernon Manor Children’s Home of Wabash had a lot of love and gifts to enjoy for Christmas. God’s blessing to all of you.”

Western raises thousands

Candy Hodge, board president of the Howard Regional Health System Foundation, sends this Cheer for a remarkable effort:

“Howard Regional Health System Foundation would like to thank all the students at Western Intermediate and Primary Schools who made their yearly Penny Pitch event so successful! Pennies raised and donated to Howard Regional Health System benefit all children who receive services in Howard’s Pediatric Unit, North Central Indiana Pediatric Center and the Behavioral Health Youth Department. Cheers to you all!

“Over the past two years, the Western students have raised more than $7,000 with their donations! This allowed the foundation to purchase these much-needed items:

“• The Pediatric Unit received baby safety scales, a laptop for patients to e-mail family and friends and large, magnetic, white boards for patients and their families.

“• The Behavioral Health Youth Department received many needed teaching tools for children’s therapy groups.

“• North Central Indiana Pediatrics received a Jungle Rollercoater play table to entertain patients while they’re waiting to see the doctors.

“Penny Pitch was formed as a result of the Partners in Education collaboration between Western Intermediate and Primary Schools and Howard Regional Health System. In May each year, Western teachers, high school student council officers and Howard Regional employees sponsor outdoor games to thank the students for their generosity.”