This year we were blessed to help two deserving families and also provide games for school children.

Family No. 2.
This family is originally from the African country of Sudan, and their home language is Arabic. They have evidently been "resettled" many times, because the children were born in Syria, Lebanon, and Des Moines.  The father is a very educated man, and his English is very good. Dad is the one that comes to all of the kids' conferences, fills out paperwork for them for school, and is listed as their primary contact.  The children are Rachelle (8th grade), Nancy (5th grade),  Michel (3rd grade boy), Wour (1st grade boy) and Deng (3 year old boy).   The school age children are all very hard workers, and very respectful children. They all do well in school, and are getting good grades. When this family received their gifts, they said that they hoped that one day they could help someone else as they had been helped.  The family received a $100 gift card at Walmart and the kids and parents received clothes and shoes.

Family No. 1
This family consists of a mom, dad and 10 year old girl, Kimberly, who is in 5th grade and is a special needs student.  Both parents work, but in fairly low paying jobs.  Kimberly is home alone a lot.  This family received a used refrigerator, microwave and DVD player, cleaning supplies, and towels.  Kimberly (age 10) received clothes, personal items, craft items.  The Mom (Cindy) and Dad (Ken) received personal items and some clothes, as well as help with a past due utility bill.

McKinley School:  The class gave board games for 4th and 5th grade students to play when they have inside recess.