What We Do 
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Feed the Need is made possible thanks to the following community partners:
The Tap Room at Dubsdread, Massey Services Inc, SeaWorld, New Traditions Bank, CNL,
Lowndes Drosdick Doster Kanter & Reed P.A., WellCare, American Fundraising Auctions,
Custom Communications, Republic National Distributors, The Schenck Company, Mr. Green Jeans, Sysco Foods,
Law Office of Mary E. Lytle, Coca-Cola Enterprizes, Community Paper, Park Press and Forty26.
Thank you for your support!
Loews Hotel’s Good Neighbor Program - “Being here is being a good neighbor.”
For almost seven years employees from the four local Loews Hotel properties (Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando, and their Central Support Facility) have volunteered once a month to serve food at the Daily Bread kitchen. Doing service in the community is one of the key principles of the Loews Hotel brand. The Robert Tisch Family, Loews Hotel founders, has always been big supporters of giving back and that attitude has been passed down to today’s management through their Good Neighbor Program.
So moved by her Daily Bread volunteer experience, Tara Kennedy, Director of Training and Development, inquired as what more Loews Hotel employees could do for
In July, employees from Loews’ IT department served food at Daily Bread, while Eric Armstrong, Director of Sales at Swank Audio Visuals, Loews’ on-site audio/video provider, taped them in action. Eric also interviewed
Thank you, Loews Hotel employees, for giving of your time and talents as a good neighbor.
BBQ as fellowship at Daily Bread
In June, Dr. John Porter trailered an oak wood smoker up in front of the
“Cooking is an avenue to fellowship with men and may be used to build relationships between men and the church at large,” John says, “No one ever goes home hungry at our events! God honors what the
When John is not cooking, he provides medical care to small animals at the Kirkman Road Veterinarian Clinic that he founded with his wife, Melanie. Thank you, John, for a day of great food and fellowship at the
Slam Dunk Magic!
Congratulations to Antonia Benjamin and her family for winning 4 Magic tickets to Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics. Newcomers to Orlando, this was the Benjamin family’s first magic game. The Ortiz family was given the opportunity to spend a magical evening at Game 2 against the Celtics. Both families left the Christian Service Center with tickets for the game and smiles a mile long! The Christian Service Center would like to thank the Magic for their generous donations throughout the year which bring our client families memories that will last them a lifetime. Go Magic!
A Benevolent Birthday Celebration
Chrissy Grandin and Ian Roberts recently shared their 15th birthday party. In lieu of gifts, the 20 teenage attendants were asked to bring a cash donation or canned food to donate to the Christian Service Center. Happy Birthday Chrissy and Ian and thanks for brightening up someone else’s day on YOUR big day!
That’s a Wrap!
This year, Michelle Dettalff felt the Lord calling her to give back in a unique way, despite tight financial circumstances. She has volunteered with the Christian Service Center several times with her church, Altamonte Springs Seventh Day Adventist and has a big heart for the Daily Bread program and its average of 500 clients who come hungry each day. Michelle followed a creative calling and decided to wrap Christmas presents for Daily Bread clients who wanted to give a gift to someone. A warm smile and pretty package are sometimes just as important as a hot meal. Thanks Michelle for taking the time to love your nieghbors as Christ did.
A Green Christmas
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Orange County Commissioner Linda Stewart, known for her “going green” efforts in Central Florida donated fresh Christmas trees with stands to Christian Service Center clients who might not have otherwise had a Christmas tree. Many of our clients are so busy focusing on the bare essentials this season, luxuries like Christmas gifts and decorations are not an option. Thanks Commissioner for putting some holiday cheer into the homes of our clients!
Santa’s Little Helpers
Lynn Polan and her family recently volunteered to serve a Daily Bread meal with their church, Northside Baptist. Their experience was so meaningful that they wanted to do more. They found a creative way to give back in a BIG way… the family stuffed 20 of the world-s largest stockings full of goodies for special Christian Service Center clients!
Behind the Scenes Genius
Thank you to Bytes Bits & Megabytes who recently awarded the Christian Service Center a $1,000 technology grant, allowing us several hours of top-notch IT consultation and assistance!
Toys, Toys and More Toys!
Let’s talk about faithful commitment. For over 10 years, St. Michaels has made a toy donation the size of Santa’s workshop every year at Christmas time. This year, a difficult economy didn’t stop St. Michael’s from going above and beyond – again! Thanks to their faithfulness, 250 children will be wearing a giant smile on Christmas morning.
A Feast Worth Sharing
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Every year, Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor and Reed throws a beautiful holiday party to honor its hard-working employees, complete with a mouth-watering feast. Even during this time of celebration, the law firm takes time out to consider those in need in our community. All the food left from the party is donated to the Christian Service Center.
Changing the World One Can at a Time
This fall, Lee Middle School went WAY above and beyond. The school split classrooms into teams for a little friendly competition and collectively, they raised almost 2,000 pounds of canned goods!
Family Fall Festival draws smiles in the face of hardship
The Christian Service Center recently partnered with the Orlando Magic, Rollins College, CNL and Chick-fil-a to host a Family Fall Festival, honoring hundreds of children and families who are struggling to make ends meet and who have likely not attended a party in a long time. The festival was an opportunity for people to celebrate and recognize how much they are loved and provided-for, even amidst difficult circumstances.
Our Future Is In Good Hands
If Rachel Smith is what we have to look forward to with the next generation of leaders, our community is in for a treat. Rachel recently wrote a compelling story that was featured in Time for Kids. Her publication is based on an interview with the Christian Service Center’s Executive Director, Robert F. Stuart. Check out Rachel’s article HERE!
Tiny Hands… Big Hearts
Forest Lake Academy held a Helping Hands Community Outreach event where their children’s ministry made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to pass out to Daily Bread families. The kids not only filled hundreds of paper bags with sandwiches, they personalized each bag with encouraging hand-drawn pictures and words. Thanks Dennis Blessings and Wanda Cocco for arranging such a special act of service.
Insurance Office of America selects Christian Service Center as local charity
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Each month Insurance Office of America chooses a local non-profit to support through donated items. In August, IOA employees donated clothing and canned goods to the center. As a non-profit, the Center heavily relies on donations from local businesses. We deeply appreciate IOA’s initiative to help the needy in their community.
Pilgrims versus Pumpkins!
The attorneys of Lowndes, Droskick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A. recently channeled their competitive drive to help their hungry neighbors. The law firm split into two teams, the Pilgrims and the Pumpkins, and raced to raise the most canned goods for the Christian Service Center. Although the Pilgrims pulled ahead, everyone is a winner in this game, especially the families who will now have yummy food at their Thanksgiving table. Thank you to Meredith Level and Nancy Andrews (featured above) for leading such an important initiative at work. And thank you to the entire Lowndes team for your collaborative donation of 250 pounds of food!!!
Blessing Bags: Using Your God-given Gifts for His Glory
Annette King wants to make a difference in her community. As a creative clothing artist and Christian Service Center volunteer, Annette combined her love of sewing and literature and created “blessing bags.” Recruiting her church sewing club members, Fran Schultz and Pastor Laurie Davidson, Annette’s team hand sews the “blessing bags” then fills them with shampoo, soap, lotion, comb, shaving products, and a book. Annette sees the bags as an opportunity to give back to the needy in the community and make a big difference. Annette hopes to “inspire other churches and sewing groups to find a creative way to make a difference.”
Change for Change
Asbury United Methodist Church completed their "Change for Change" drive to raise money for the Winter Park Office of the Christian Service Center. Over the summer, the church, led the youth and children, collected loose change as their donation. When is was all over, they donated $2,514.59 to our Winter Park office to help those in Winter Park, Maitland, Eatonville and South Seminole County. Thank you, Pastor Scott Harris, for your leadership and to your great church for reaching into their pockets and outside their building to influence others, in Christ’s name.
Back to School Picnic
The Christian Service Center was recently honored to serve as a co-sponsor with the City of Orlando for the annual Rosemont Community Center Back-to-School Picnic. We provided 200 backpacks for kids who are involved at the RCC. It was a great picnic that was attended by more than 500 people!
Healthy Heroes Back-to-School
On August 8, the Christian Service Center partnered with the City of Orlando’s Mayor Buddy Dyer and Prestige Health Systems to help provide free school physicals, backpacks and school supplies to almost 10,000 people at the Amway Arena. Our thanks to Board Member, Michael Radka for his leadership in hosting this event.
Christian Service Center Posts 2nd “Did You Know” Video on You Tube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a2vs4oKJPM
As a component of our Social Media initiative, the Center’s “Did You Know” campaign focuses on local homeless and hunger statistics. Christian Service Center Executive Director, Robert Stuart, discusses the current needs of the Center from the food pantry in our Family Emergency Services downtown office.
Volunteers Revitalize Christian Service Center’s Downtown Facility
Thank you to everyone involved in revitalizing our downtown facility. CBS Outdoor employees painted the interior of our downtown center. Ann from All About You decorating and Kathy of V2K window decor redecorated our lobby. On behalf of the Christian Service Center staff, volunteers and clients we sincerely thank you for your time and generosity! Our building interior had not been updated in over a decade!
Christian Service Center Sponsors Project 7 Twelve
Project 7 twelve is a comprehensive immersion experience sponsored by the Christian Service Center. Groups of all ages are given the opportunity to experience life from an alternative perspective and are encouraged to consider things from the eyes of someone very different than themselves. Youth groups from the Cathedral Church of St. Lukes, and College Park Baptist Church participated in the premier event. Orlando Sentinel reporter Kate Santich chronicled the kids immersion experience for a feature story in the Sentinel.
Christian Service Center Honored at My CityEats Restaurant Awards
The Christian Service Center was chosen as “event beneficiary” by mycityeats.com at their “Restaurant Award” gala event held at the Blue Martini. CSC ‘s Executive Director, Robert Stuart was a guest speaker, and mycityeats.com graciously donated all proceeds from the event to the Center.
New Life Youth Group Serves in Parramore District
New Light Church in Tampa Youth Group for volunteered this week at our main facility downtown. This week the kids cleaned out the garage, sorted the food pantry and did a grounds "beautification" project. The group divided their time around the Parramore district also working at the Coalition for the Homeless. During their mission week the group visited St. Augustine, Daytona Beach and Orlando. New Light Youth Director, Paul Kim, designed the mission trip so that kids could view first-hand the needs within Florida.
Christian Service Center Featured on Front Page of Orlando Sentinel
In a recent national poll Florida was ranked 49th out of 50 states for volunteerism. The article features an interview with Christian Service Center’s Director of Marketing, Chrissy Garton, who states, "If a blessing has come from this recession, it’s this: We’ve seen multiple cases where people have been laid off, and while they’re job-searching, instead of sitting around idly, they’re using that time to volunteer." A rise in volunteers ages 16-24 has had a significant impact in volunteerism across the country.
Loews Hotel and CBS Outdoors Volunteer in Daily Bread
This week volunteers from Loews Hotel and CBS Outdoors served over 1500 meals in our Daily Bread program. Each week volunteers from Central Florida’s business, church, and civic communities graciously give their time to serve those in need. The Center could simply not exist without our incredible volunteers. We have many volunteer opportunities ranging from one-time events to ongoing projects.
Christian Service Center Spotlighted in Orlando Sentinel
Orlando was voted 3rd “meanest” city toward homeless people in a national survey. The article spotlights the efforts of the Christian Service Center, featuring an interview and photograph of clients lining up to receive a meal from our Daily Bread program. Daily Bread serves over 1500 homeless or near homeless people every week in the Central Florida community.
First Presbyterian Church of Orlando’s “Food Share Month” initiative
FPCO donated over 4000 cans of food during their “Food Share Month” food drive. The food will be distributed by the Christian Service Center through their Family Emergency Services and Daily Bread programs. During the summer months food supplies for our programs often run low, thanks to FPCO’s initiative we were able to help thousands in the Central Florida area. We are deeply grateful to the staff and congregation of FPCO in partnering with the Christian Service Center.
Fresh Start Men Volunteer for “Break the Addiction” Event
Men from our “Fresh Start” program volunteered at the 2nd annual “Break the Addiction” event at the Central Florida Fairgrounds. This free event is open to the general public and focuses on combating drug addiction. Fresh Start men distributed information about the Christian Service Center, and offered hopeful stories regarding their life challenges struggles.
Christian Service Center Premiers “Did You Know” Series on You Tube
In our first you tube video, Christian Service Center director, Robert Stuart discusses the centers mission and current needs. Speaking from our food pantry located in the Family & Emergency Services downtown office, Director Stuart asks the community to volunteer and help those effected by the recent financial crisis.
First Presbyterian Church of Orlando Serves in Daily Bread
This week First Presbyterian Church of Orlando served over 1500 meals in our Daily Bread program. The center relies largely on volunteers for daily operations in serving the community. Each week churches, business’, schools and community groups graciously volunteer their time. The Christian Service Center has many volunteer projects available from one-time projects to ongoing service needs.
Big Needs, Small Needs, All Needs
The Christian Service Center exists to serve the community, so no need is too small. Recently, a request for a backpack was received from Nap Ford Community School. The Christian Service Center was glad to fill this request. If you or someone you know has a need of any size, we encourage you to contact us and allow us to serve you.
Feed the Need Event
Feed the Need, a community-wide celebration that supports the Christian Service Center, will be held this year on the evening of October 1, 2009 at the Tap Room at Dubsdread. The event features delicious food, wine, music, dancing, and incredible auction items. All proceeds directly benefit hurting families, who receive financial assistance and basic food and clothing at no cost. The Christian Service Center invites you to come enjoy this special night with us and support our Central Florida neighbors in need!
Christian Service Center Sundays
Many of the churches that support the Christian Service Center dedicate one summertime Sunday to bringing the outreach message of the ministry home to their congregation. Known as “CSC Sundays”, these opportunities provide invaluable platforms for churches to show how their members minister through the Christian Service Center and the value of active involvement in serving neighbors in need. Please contact us for more information if your church is interested in hosting a CSC Sunday.
Healthy Hydrated Kids Initiative
In order to better equip families to meet their children’s most pressing summertime nutritional needs, the Christian Service Center is spearheading the “Healthy Hydrated Kids” initiative. By raising awareness of the plight of needy households during the hot summer months, the Christian Service Center aims to increase pantry donations of key items, namely protein-rich foods and liquids.
Ready for Re-Branding
In 2008, the Christian Service Center began a brand discovery process to determine its overt local perceptions within the community and what direction people wanted to see it take. For months, members of local churches and businesses as well as volunteers were surveyed to determine areas that could be improved or redirected. The Christian Service Center listened to our community and as a direct result, a re-branding campaign developed that includes an updated logo, a fresh website, and a new volunteer-based operative direction.
Chick-fil-a Helps West Orange Christian Service Center
Three Ocoee Chick-fil-A® restaurants conducted a weeklong drive to collect non-perishable food donations for the Christian Service Center of West Orange. In addition, the Chick-fil-A located at 10620 West Colonial Drive held a Spirit Day on the last day of the drive. Fifteen percent of all net sales from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. were donated to the Christian Service Center of Ocoee when customers mentioned the Christian Service Center with their order. Thank you Chick-fil-a for standing alongside us as were feed the community together!
New Air Conditioning Unit for Fresh Start
When the air conditioning unit for the downtown Fresh Start building broke unexpectedly, the repair expense was beyond budget. However, the 18 men living in the dormitory-style building could not survive a Florida summer without air conditioning. As the situation progressed, God moved the hearts of two volunteers. Chris St. John agreed to financially back the purchase of a brand-new unit while Clark Waters of E.C. Waters Inc. volunteered his employees’ skills in the instillation process. It is generosity such as this that enables the Christian Service Center to provide a better quality of living to the members of our community. Thank you!
Partnership with Jewish Family Services
The Christian Service Center proudly partners with Jewish Family Services in serving the Central Florida community. Recently, the first family to be referred to the Jewish Family Services’ Family Stabilization Program by Christian Service Center caseworkers, successfully graduated from the yearlong program. The courageous head-of-household boldly achieved her goals, which included moving into a safer neighborhood, medical care for her children, a job promotion, and obtaining access to basic utilities.
Clean Sweep Initiative at Rollins College
Rollins College in Winter Park, FL has created a practical opportunity for its students to help their community each May. Rather than throwing unwanted, gently used items into dumpsters, students participate in the Clean Sweep initiative by placing donations in one of the storage PODS around campus. The furniture, clothing, and appliances are then given to local charitable organizations. This year, the Christian Service Center was blessed to receive several items from this initiative to help those in need.
10th Annual Street Celebration Success
Support from the Central Florida community enabled the Christian Service Center to put on its 10th annual Street Celebration this year. The party, held at the downtown campus from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. honored the social services that help put thousands back onto their feet every year. Free fanfare included live music, a caricature artist, face painting, balloons, and barbeque. The event welcomed all Central Florida residents and over 500 people came out to fellowship with one another.
Recession Recovery Seminar Equips Ministers
The LifeWorks Group of Christian Counselors & Coaches, in partnership with the Christian Service Center, hosted an interdenominational seminar entitled, Recession Recovery: Leading Your Congregation Through Difficult Financial Times. The free event strove to equip local ministry leaders to offer greater support for financially struggling individuals and to handle the growing number of families approaching them in need of assistance.
League of Women Voters’ Hot Topics Luncheon
Executive Director of the Christian Service Center, Robert Stuart, participated in a panel discussion alongside Dave Krepcho of Second Harvest Food Bank and Dr. Jennifer Porter-Smith of Nap Ford Community School. The League of Women Voters hosted the event, entitled “On Hunger’s Front Lines”. The discussion educated audience members about the realities of poverty and hunger in the Central Florida Community. If you would like to directly help those suffering from hunger in our area, please consider donating goods to the Christian Service Center’s food pantry or serving a meal at our Daily Bread soup kitchen.
Fresh Start Men Run in Corporate 5K
Twelve men in the Fresh Start program recently ran in the 15th annual Orlando Corporate 5k. While they trained for race day, Track Shack generously donated new running shoes for each of the runners. The excited men renewed personal commitments to their physical health and spiritual goals. At the end of the event, numbers could not record their real success: they are running a new race.
Birthday Celebration Held at Daily Bread
For her 70th birthday, a local woman decided to throw a lunch party at Daily Bread, the Christian Service Center’s downtown soup kitchen. In the two months beforehand, Edna Maria Sierra and her friends eagerly prepared table decorations, hired musicians, and collected donations. On the big day, they celebrated the lives of everyone in attendance – even those who had not had much to celebrate recently. Edna cheerfully served ample helpings of yellow cake, friendly hugs, and warm words of encouragement. Her selfless idea reminds us of the value God places on every human life and our call to treat them accordingly.
West Orange Location Volunteer Breakfast
The Christian Service Center could not function effectively without the many willing volunteers that give wholeheartedly of their time. This year, the West Orange location continued its tradition of recognizing these incredible individuals with a Mardi Gras themed buffet breakfast held in their honor. The delicious food was prepared by cooking students from Westside Tech Culinary School. A big thank you goes out to Westside Tech for sharing their culinary talents and to our wonderful volunteers for serving the community through the Christian Service Center all year long!
Dwight Howard Visits the West Orange Christian Service Center
The Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard, in partnership with Operation Blessing International and Bread of Life Christian Fellowship, made Christmas magic at the Christian Service Center’s West Orange location. 100 local families received tickets to the event based on need. Dwight Howard, the Magic dancers, and team mascot, Stuff, took pictures with fans and handed out $100 Publix gift cards as well as emergency survival kits. Thank you, Dwight Howard, for making a difference in our community!
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