Fiskateers Making a Difference
- posted by: Cheryl
- posted in: Uncategorized, charity efforts
- on: June 16, 2009
Wow . . . what a fantastic and impacting day Saturday was as we collected food for the hungry during our Fiskateer food drive. I spent most of the day at the Orange County Rescue Mission in Tustin. It was a day of watching the local fiskateer community make a difference in their community. I was so excited to see fiskateers and their generosity! It was fantastic.
First came Tanya and her family. Her two boys are darling and so wonderful to know she is setting an example for them. Tanya and her family made it a family event and that was awesome to see. Then Cori arrived about the same time as well as Michelle and her son. Cori even brought items that were packaged in orange. It was awesome to see the fiskateers show up in orange and the OC Rescue Mission residents started to recognize the fiskateers as the day progressed . . . those in orange. It was neat that fiskateers had an opportunity to meet each other. Here is a photo we took together.
Michelle decorated this beautiful bag! What talent and you could really tell she created it with love. I loved the message it shared! It really warmed the residents/students hearts and it was displayed throughout the whole day. As the day concluded one of the gals asked if she could keep it and take it to her room as it really encouraged her. They emptied the contents of the bag, separated the food and she was the proud owner of this beautiful created bag by fiskateer #915. It was neat to see how the folks there were touched.
I was so encouraged as I heard testimonies of how the OC Rescue Mission was providing opportunities and hope for those involved. I didn’t take photos of those working/staying on campus as I wanted to respect their privacy. Some of them have recently lost their homes and belongings and are struggling financially because of the recent economical situation. Others have struggled for years with different issues but all seemed to really find hope at this place. I was so blessed working along side these individuals for the day. We all have seasons where we need to receive and other seasons where we can give. I enjoyed learning a lot about the mission and the great work that is going on there. There is a lot of opportunity at the Mission. I must say as well, they sure are organized.
Others that gave included Susan, Laurie R. and her girls at the crop in the city of Orange, Anita, and others. It was a successful day and a great way to conclude our Fiskateer food drive.
I am looking into the possibility of teaching a class there at the OC Rescue Mission as a lot of the ladies seem very interested. I’m excited about the opportunity.
Remember too that the mission is open during the week for drop off. So although we are concluding our Fiskateer Food Drive there are still opportunities to give.
Elena, Maxine and others were in their own corner of the world collecting and greeting fiskateers. You are a generous and giving community! Thank you for being you. You are making a great difference! Keep up the wonderful work.
Patty 2832 says:
June 16th, 2009 at 9:10 am“We all have seasons where we need to receive and other seasons where we can give” What a great way to think of it!
Love all the photos and that bag is gorgeous !
It’s such a great feeling when you help others, no matter the circumstances. You are such a sweet soul, Cheryl !
Lynda aka arlsmom says:
June 16th, 2009 at 9:29 amThank you for the photos and touching story!!!
Maxine Hodges says:
June 16th, 2009 at 11:27 amCheryl, sounds like you had a fabulous day.
We collected around 300 items that will be delivered to the Huntington Area Food bank. We put special emphasis on infants. Out boxes contain lots of baby food and wipes.
I will feel proud that we will make a difference.
Fiskateers Rock.
Michelle #915 says:
June 16th, 2009 at 11:42 amI’m glad my art work made someone happy!
Julie O. says:
June 16th, 2009 at 11:57 amThat is so awesome. WTG Fiskateers!!
Annie #1326 says:
June 16th, 2009 at 1:17 pmThank you Fisk-a-sister Cheryl for sharing with all of us. It’s wonderful that Tanya is using this opportunity as a learning experience for her boys. We did the same with our children and now they more aware and willing to help others. They are now into donating everything. Clothes, toys and Food. The clothes and Toys go to a woman’s shelter. As always, thank you for sharing and inspiring us to do more!
Merlene #1166 says:
June 16th, 2009 at 3:05 pmThanks for the wonderful pictures Cheryl. We can all help in a small way, with a little effort and love for those less fortunate. Beautiful work on that bag Michelle. How wonderful that Fiskateers are teaching their children to share.
Krafty Wahine #395 says:
June 16th, 2009 at 3:21 pmCheryl, it was a pleasure to drop off food at the OC Rescue Mission. i enjoyed chatting with you and some of the people there.
the OC Rescue Mission is one of my favorite charities. my brother organized Christmas breakfast and lunch there last year. it was a joy to see how happy and appreciative the people were that day.
thank you for organizing the event for such a worthy and needy cause!!
aloha, anita
Yessica says:
June 16th, 2009 at 6:33 pmHi Cheryl, thank you for the update. It’s great to see people helping others in their time of need. Keep up the good work Fiskateers!!!!
Tanya #5407 says:
June 16th, 2009 at 10:41 pmCheryl,
I agree with Patty about your seasons quote. It couldn’t have been said better!
I was so happy to be able to participate in this food drive. As I said before, I got my class involved in collecting food. To my surprise, I had a another full bag waiting for me on Monday morning, so I’ll be back to donate soon. I know this trip made an impact on my son, especially seeing the little boy picking up items at the donation center while we were there. (We had a long talk on the car ride home about it.)It was great meeting more Fiskateers and chatting with you again. I hope more Fiskateers get the chance to meet you in person, you are such a kind and inspirational person!
Cori says:
June 16th, 2009 at 11:47 pmSo glad I was able to help! OCRM is near and dear to my heart. They are doing the Lord’s work! Supporting them is the least I can do! Thanks for organizing this and if you need any help with that class… call me!
Carrie says:
June 17th, 2009 at 9:06 amIncredible job! You ladies are inspirational!!!
maryannehoekman says:
June 17th, 2009 at 10:36 amgreat job! what an inspiration to contribute whenever I can!
Tina S. 3612 says:
June 17th, 2009 at 3:37 pmAwesome…You did a great job!!!
Edith Vest says:
June 18th, 2009 at 8:13 pmYou did a wonderful job. Thanks for sharing!
debbie B. says:
July 13th, 2009 at 10:40 pmWe have the same need in my city at the local Senior’s Center. How can I host a food drive—Fiskateers style?