LSF Youth Receive Gifts, Parties

from Churches, Individuals

Holiday Efforts Noted with Gratitude by LSF Staff

By Thomas L. Weitzel

LSF Communications

9 January 2010

Fifteen children from Lutheran Services Florida's Miami Housing Program were treated to a special Christmas party by members of St. Thomas By the Bay Lutheran Church on Dec. 19.  The party included two to three gifts for each child.

This was the second year that Pastor Daniel Coy and the members of St. Thomas hosted children from the New Beginnings Transitional Program, according to Sylvia Hernandez of Miami Housing Program.  The transitional program assists homeless families with young children to move through stages toward independent living.  The fifteen children were from eight families who are currently enrolled in the New Beginnings program.  (Click here to read more about LSF's Housing Program.)

The Christmas Party, hosted by Pr. Coy and about 25 members of St. Thomas, included Christmas carols, games, and a hot dog and hamburger lunch.  Brownies and Christmas cookies were also provided.

"The children felt very special," said Hernandez, "because they only cater to our kids and families."

The most special part, of course, was the giving of Christmas gifts to the children from members of the church.  But no one opened their presents at the party.

"The children wanted to take their gifts home and put them under the tree," explained Hernandez.

RED HAT LADIES GIVE GIFT CARDS

Youth at Oasis Youth Shelter in Ft. Myers also received special gifts this year. 

The Queen Palms Red Hat group of Heritage Palms collected 10 gifts cards from Target and WalMart for the shelter at their December Christmas luncheon.  The gift cards totaled more than $250, with some cards amounting to $50 each, according to Cheryl Dolenc, Administrative Assistant for the LSF's Southwest Region.

"The Queen Palms have been faithfully supporting youth at the Oasis Youth Shelter the last couple of years," said Dolenc.  "These ladies are as beautiful and colorful as their picture" (above).

YOUTH AT SAFE HAVEN RECEIVE GIFTS

Safe Haven Youth Shelter in Pensacola "received donations totaling for than $850 from individuals and churches in our community," reported Myra Gamblin, LSF Youth Care Supervisor at Safe Haven.  "We at LSF Safe Haven Shelter have been blessed again this Christmas!"

Gamblin particularly noted with gratitude the efforts of Youth Care Specialist Wanda Virgin Reese "for her outstanding performance as Santa’s number one elf again this year.  Because of her, every client, including those who entered the shelter on Christmas Eve, received every gift on their wish list!"

Many thanks to all churches, businesses and individuals whose generosity helped to make a difference during the holidays at Lutheran Services Florida.

For other stories on holiday giving to LSF already published, click below:

LSF Receives 150 Coupons for Children's Shoes for Holidays

Lippman Youth Shelter Gets Makeover for Game Room

Miami Pictures by Silvia Hernandez

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