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Administrative Offices
Christian ServiceCenter for CentralFlorida, Inc.
808 W. Central Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32805
407 425-2523
E-mail:
Marketing

Executive Director
Robert F. Stuart

Outreach Editor
Greg Gentleman

2007 Officers and
Board of Directors

By Robert F. Stuart, Executive Director

It was a late night last week when I was flipping through channels on my television and all of a sudden, I heard this great old tune.  I thought to myself, "that’s it, that’s Christmas!"

Many of you are remembering a time when you were young, when snow covered your front yard, and sledding was the call of the day.  Others will remember looking at a majestic Christmas tree topped with fluffy snow, branches heavy with icicles, ready to become a center stage for scores of gifts.  While a few of us will remember crystal clear days of 80 degree weather here in Florida and pretending like it’s snowing.

As we speak with our neighbors, their images may not be as vivid.  They have taken painstaking steps to forget Christmases past because of the hurt.  It breaks my heart to see the children and imagine the memories with which they will be left.  That’s why this part of the year is special to me.  It’s the memories that we can give to these, the least of our brothers and sisters.

Everything old is new again!  As the winter breeze will help cover the land in white, or as we see the dormant lives of even our own lawns, we should be reminded that, "it’ll come back."  That’s right, it’ll come back often bigger and more beautiful than ever before.  Christmas is like that.

This is a celebration of renewal…of advent…of new beginnings.  It’s a visible lesson that God has given us a second chance . In His infinite wisdom, God gave the world another chance.  One that begins with the birth of a child and ends with the birth of a new Kingdom.  It’s chance to look at our dormant lives and know that He has given us opportunities to bigger and more beautiful than we can ever imagine.  This is Christmas.  It’s a time where we can enjoy each other and offer new life to our neighbors in need.  Whether it is a gift of a toy, a holiday meal, or a warm blanket…we can help a life begin anew.

Christmas is also a time to remember.  As we think back on God’s love, we are reminded of love and support of hundreds who have joined us in our mission, to help the hurting and hopeless of Central Florida.  If it were not for you, thousands would go hungry or live without a roof over their heads.  For these, and the thousands of other reasons like them, we are grateful for your support.

Everything old is new again!  Thank you for renewing our spirits and those of the thousands we serve!

From the Staff and Board of Directors of the Christian Service Center, we extend our best wishes for a wonderful Christmas and a joyous New Year.

Are you looking to help others in our Central Florida community during the Holiday season?  There are many ways for you to get involved.

1. New socks and underwear for men, women, boys, and girls.
2. Toys, coloring books, and games for area children to be distributed through our pantries in time for Christmas.
3. Use the enclosed donation envelope to make a gift in honor of that special person.
4. Perfume, scented body lotions, bubble bath, nail polish, and similar beauty products are needed as gifts for the mothers of the children we serve in KidsFOCUS at the West Orange Christian Service.
5. Art supplies for daily craft sessions at our seven Share-the-Care Centers for Alzheimer's patients.
6. All sizes of winter coats and warm blankets.
7. Next time you are at the grocery store, pick up additional canned goods–or even a frozen turkey–to be given to a family in need for a special Holiday dinner.
8. Diapers and baby formula.
9. Gifts Certificates are a great idea. Examples: Toys ‘R Us, Publix, Winn-Dixie, Target, Wal-mart, K-mart, any of the area malls, and Blockbuster Video.

Four drop off locations are open for your convenience: Winter Park, Ocoee, Kissimmee, and downtown Orlando. Call Tommy Deal at 407-425-2523 x232 for more information.

Revised:  January 18, 2008