Merry Christmas...Tis the season to be joyful!

This year our family decided to do things a little different. As many of you know, we as a little family went thru a journey of a year in 2011 and into 2012. We sold our home (praise the Lord!), sold almost all possessions, moved from Arizona and started a new life in San Diego, California. Many times during the later part of 2011 we felt that fear of making ends meet, looking for work, providing for the kids and simply put..putting food on the table. God is merciful and faithful to His Word because we have an awesome family that took us in and friends that believe so much in us that they supported us in many ways..from checking in on us and encouraging us, to praying and even blessing us monetarily. We are steps ahead of where we were that year. God brought David a great job and we moved into an apartment and began to settle in. 
Statistics here in San Diego, California show that 450,000 people are being fed by the Food Banks here locally. The amazing part of this is that they are NOT homeless families but average, median workers like you and I. They work but at the end of the month, just can't make ends meet to put enough food on the table.
How can you help? Well, I decided to partner with the local food bank and create a virtual food drive. It allows you and I to see the "real" need of the food items the bank is low on and you can pick which items and how much OR you can click an item for a monetary donation. At checkout, you'll get all the info you need. How many units, how many people you are helping, and the total.

I am NOT asking for any gifts this year. For my family considering a gift to me, this is all I ask. If you feel led to help, that you'd visit the virtual drive and pick an item or 2 that would help a family in need. If you are not able to give at this time, I ask that you pray. Simply put, this is going on in every city all across the country. You too can make a huge difference, even just with prayer. For friends reading this, maybe you want to find a charitable organization to contribute to. This is a 501(c)3 non profit organization and there for tax deductible. This drive will continue on until January 30, 2013.

We, as a family have much to be thankful for and I am trying to find ways to give, rather than receive. We are still going to bless our kids with gifts from "Santa" but we are also working with them to understand the times we are in and how to be thankful. Hunger can effect anyone! It has no gender or color associated with it. I am taking the kids to a "Fill the Bus" Drive happening soon where they can load up groceries on a bus going to the food bank. This way they can see it in action.

The link for the virtual food drive is below. It is affiliated with:  

Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank
9850 Distribution Avenue
San Diego, CA 92121
 
Here's to helping end hunger, one family at a time!
 
http://vad.aidmatrix.org/vadxml.cfm?driveid=7412 

Love, from the Means San Diego to You!
 :-)Rita