Al's Outreach Outtakes

As always your support of the Giving Tree has been incredible. The Holy Trinity elves have been hard at work making certain all of the gifts you provided have found their way home. Read my column next week for a complete update. As always,
   
The last few weeks my articles have been all about Thanksgiving and Christmas help. With all of the activity going on, it becomes easy to forget why we do what we do. I thought I would share a story about one of the many, many families that are being helped.
 
As you know Holy Trinity works closely with the Beaverton School District. One of my main contacts there is Lisa, the Homeless Liaison. Around Thanksgiving Lisa sent an email to several of the faith-based community partners asking for help for a family. A year ago, both Mom and Dad were working full time. While there was not much for extras, the family was doing OK; making rent, car payments, keeping food on the table, etc. Then Dad got seriously injured at work and had to go on disability as he went through multiple surgeries. Twelve months later, he is still not released to return to work and may need more surgery. Six weeks ago Mom needed an emergency surgery. Not only would there be no Christmas, but rent could not be made. Could the churches help? Several of us, including Holy Trinity, said yes. We provided them their Thanksgiving meal and one of the grades from Holy Trinity adopted the family for Christmas. Unfortunately, Mom needed a second surgery, so there has been a set-back, but her spirits are strong. They are so grateful for all that has and is being done for them. She prays that all goes well and that they are back on their feet again soon.
 
This is why we are here. This is why we do what we do. None of this could happen without you.