The bitter cold did not subdue the crowd at 105 N. Spruce Street on December 15th as we celebrated Christmas in the most perfect way ~ giving to others. The parking lot was utilized to the fullest as the Lord used MEF to bless hundreds with the contents of 3 semi trucks from Feed the Children and a multitude of donations from other generous people.

We have enclosed a list of contributors and a collage of pictures so that you will be aware of the extensive outreach you shared with so many. Since 2000 we have invited thousands in need to come and receive. The list of contributors has also grown many times over during those seven years.

Just a few comments concerning that cold and wonderful day - December 15^th, 2007:

For the first time we were able to give a frozen turkey to each family attending. Loretta Jacobs of Goodwill Industries collected money from many of the businesses on the donor list (MEF included). Total collected was $6,000 and Wal Mart sold all 1,000 turkeys at less than market value and stored them for us until the 15^th of December.

Santa and Mrs. Claus were surrounded by decorated Christmas Trees in a ‘Winter Wonderland’ ~ very impressive and festive!!! Once again, the children had their picture taken with Santa and received a candy cane.

Each child was also given a toothbrush – over 1,000 were donated by our neighborhood dental offices and dental associations.

More than 1,400 stuffed toys were bagged and hung on Christmas Trees outside on the parking lot~ smiles were abundant!

For the first time we had volunteers from local hair salons giving free haircuts – wonderful!

Approximately 1,500 donuts were collected and distributed to those attending ~ see photo of our Executive Director making sure there were no donuts left over.

Unnumbered were gifts of hats, gloves, scarves, books, crayons, Bibles, used clothing and household goods, and various sundries.

Despite the cold ~ we worked with several hundred Volunteers. We started the morning at 8 degrees but by late morning the bright sunshine elevated the temperature to the low 30s.

Toys were in short supply this year ~ so the ‘drawing’ method was used for bikes, toys, beds, and many other items that were given throughout the day.

From Feed the Children of Oklahoma City we were privileged to share 44,550 pounds of food and hygiene products. The value of the contents from the 3 semi trucks was $87,747.84 which included 2,559 cases (or boxes).

We give our thanks to all of you and to the employees of Goodwill Industries of Colorado Springs and the Department of Human Services of El Paso County.  Those involved are countless and many unknown to us, but God knows and those blessed with your generosity know and will remember.  

Thoughts of gratitude go out to:

Doll Doctors, Lowes, Home Depot, US Olympic Center, Sky Socks Baseball, Sam’s Club, Liberty Heights Assisted Living, Whole Foods, Forestgate Presbyterian Church, Jimell Badry and First Baptist Church of Black Forest, Village Seven Presbyterian Church, Lighthouse Temple, Target, Kohl’s, Wal Mart, Briargate YMCA, Denny’s, Monument Mom’s Club, Pikes Peak United Methodist Church, International Order of Rainbow for Girls, Pikes Peak Assembly #4, The Bank of Broadmoor, DHS Staff, Goodwill Staff, Wells Fargo Bank, American National Bank,  MEF, AA Construction, Wagner Excavation, L & N Environmental Inc. , Bradley Excavation, Best Way Disposal, Total Image, The Winning Look, Small Smiles, Academy Kids Dental,  Blue Mesa Dental Associates, Widefield Dental Group, Just For Grins, Mesa Dental Group, Renee Mabe, Colorado Springs Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. , Aspen Dental Clinic, Adrienne McMillian , Helen Adams, Rick Bengtsson, Karri Baker, Betsi Fredrickson, Chris Garvin, Gail Harwood, Toni Herman, Nancy Lanning, Art Navalta, Marie Parker, Bud Sailar, Liane Shupp, Maija Schiedel, Anita Schoenemann, Jeff Wells, Carol Wersich, Dana Alexander, Dennis and Carolyn Baran, Alice Barber, Reece and Linda Bohannon, Lowell and Mary Bohn, Paul and Lavenia Bullard, Connie Christian, Ruth Hill, Bill and Patty Dodder, Ed and Donna Ellis, Clarence and Alene Feister, Paul and Marjorie Ferrin, Jeanne Fruh, Peggy Gragert, Herb and Rae Hill, Robert and Estelle James, Sharon Jassmann, Rodney and Lynn Johannsen, Charles and Kathryn Jones, Roger and Dolores Lindgren, Phil and Luetta Marsh, Doris Milano, Elsie Miller, Gil and Mary Miller, Richard Miller, Jerry and Dolores Nostrand, Marilyn Olson, Charles and Jeanne Ransom, Loren and Nancy Shannon, Chester and Gwendolyn Turner, Terry Vincent, Dana Williamson, Cleon and Joanne Winslow, Vienna Worthington, Beverly Wright, Maxine Berntson, Al and Joan Neugebauer, Jeannie Hufman, Melody Hufman, Ron and Anne Fenske, Carl and Susan Judd, Mark and Jean Price, Eric and Robin Todd, Gerry and Lynetta Doty, Jack and Ellen Gage, Peter Schmidt, Alexander, Peter, and Michael Schmidt, Ken Musselwhite, Frank and Beverly St. Louis, Ryan and Rebecca Mayes, Tony and Sharon Mayes, Gayle Nevin, Gloria Warner, Rebecca Jacobs, Loretta Jacobs, Robert and Jackie Matejka, Blake Nunnelly, Mike Valliant, and many more!!

 Praise the Lord!

Thank you, and have a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!