Strangers
Like many folks their age, *Ileana and Manny are caring parents and doting grandparents. Several years ago, when their daughter passed away unexpectedly, they became the primary caregivers for her four children. Manny works full-time to provide for their family, and Ileana spends her days caring for their home and the children.
Last October, Manny had a health crisis that landed him in the hospital and out of work for several weeks. As the holidays approached, the couple wondered how they were going to pay their bills, keep food on their table, and provide Christmas gifts for their grandchildren. Through our relationship with local school counselors, their teacher sent the Dallas Christian Ministry Christmas Assistance Application home in Thomas’ backpack. Ileana found the application when she was helping him with his homework. After the children were asleep that night, Ileana shared the application with Manny. They decided that they would fill it out and drop it off at our ministry the next day.
After dropping the children off at their schools, Ileana reluctantly arrived at Dallas Christian Ministry to submit their completed application. She was greeted by a friendly volunteer who took the application and listened attentively to their story. Ileana left the ministry that day with her utility bill paid, food for her family, and the assurance that there would be Christmas gifts for the children.
“Truly a weight has been lifted from my shoulders,” Ileana shared. “I can’t wait to tell Manny when he gets home from work!” On the Saturday in December when Manny came to pick up the Christmas gifts for the children, he was overwhelmed by the generosity that “total strangers” had provided for his family. He was truly grateful and relieved. “This was exactly what our family needed,” he said, “Thank you.”
Your generosity makes it possible for Dallas Christian Ministry to provide Christmas gifts, food, and utility assistance for families like Manny and Ileana’s to help them get back on their feet after a crisis. Thank you for your generosity to this ministry we all share.
*Names changed to protect the privacy of those we serve.