ANNOUNCEMENTS
As many of you know, one of the groups Heart2Heart SHARE endeavors to support and find resources for is "The Giving Tree Outreach Program" in Tucson, Arizona. Directed by Libby Wright, this incredible 501 (c) (3) charity has succeeded over the years in doing what governmental and much larger charities could never accomplish.
The Giving Tree has won the hearts of the citizens of Tucson and has managed to do things such as provide free hot meals for upwards of 200 people twice a week year round. They have managed to open and keep open and expand the only private children's home in Arizona. They have managed to provide housing for the homeless, meals for the hungry, training for the uneducated, hope for the hopeless and most importantly; the light and love of God manifested in all they do.
The mission of The Giving Tree Outreach Program is to support and improve the quality of life for children, families, elderly and disabled individuals. The Giving Tree is a faith-based organization committed to being an instrument in breaking the cycle of poverty, homelessness, and abuse in the Tucson community of disadvantaged and underserved individuals. This is accomplished through distribution of hot meals, food boxes, clothing, tutoring mentoring, transportation, referrals, and providing a residence for homeless and transitional children to allow them an opportunity to experience a secure and enduring family home.
Following is the welcome letter from Libby Wright on the homepage of their website:
Thank you! Thank you so much for your interest in serving the homeless and needy children and familes of Tucson. This year has been a year of incredible with the help of individuals and growth! Our tree continues to blossom as we provide more housing and care from groups like yours!
We welcome your help with our projects including Project FEED where we feed over 200 people twice a week; or maybe you would like to donate items or volunteer at the Thrift Shop, or help with our tutoring and mentoring program or rock one of our babies; or maybe you would like to be part of one of our special events (including our Christmas toy drive!); or maybe you are searching for a job, or would like to volunteer with our very successful Jobs Program. We need your help in person and welcome your contributions that can easily be made on-line!
Our tree is growing, but only with your help! If you are new, we look forward to meeting you and your group. We would also like to invite you to join our faith community each Sunday at 11:00 at the Compassion Hope Center. For those already part of this "tree" of life, we are so honored to know and serve with you!
Love,
Libby Wright
The Giving Tree had been working for some time on a great project to put many of its programs under one roof, literally. They had secured a large building and over time accumulated 7 truckloads of supplies to be given out and used to feed people. The building was scheduled to open around March 8th. Then disaster struck. In an act of indescribable cowardice; arsonists set fire to the building and it and its contents are a complete loss.
No words could begin to express the degree of hurt this has brought to those who had devoted all their time, efforts and personal finances to see this dream come to pass. Here is the official statement from the website:
As you may have learned, the Giving Tree's future home on Rosemont was lost due to arson. This building was to be home for many of the programs operated by The Giving Tree such as our recently formed Children's Choir, as well as a distribution center for food boxes, and shelter for families. If you wish to help us replace the items that were destroyed in the fire, your financial contribution would be appreciated.
Although this catastrophe is devasting, we are thankful that there were no lives lost. We can only imagine there are bigger and better things in store for us. Your prayers and support truly help to ease this burden.
Here is a link to the FOX news coverage the night of the fire on March 1st:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhmLpQLICdo
Here is an additional link to another video covering this tragedy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gpJ-10M6X8
If you or someone or organization you know could help this amazing group, please contact them at:
The Giving Tree Outreach Program
4888 E Broadway Bl
Tucson, AZ 85711
http://www.thegivingtreeoutreach.org
As warmly received as The Giving Tree is in Tucson, there are some who do not like what they do for whom they do it. In our polarized society it is truly horrible that people would vent their prejudices and personal problems through an act such as arson. Anything you can do to help this wonderful group get back on its feet I am sure would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your prayerful consideration on this matter.
Blessings,
Heart2Heart SHARE
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