Florica looked into the small bedroom where her ten little boys and girls were piled on their five beds sleeping peacefully. The Romanian mother knew images of presents and a Christmas tree danced in their dreams. Christmas had been consuming their daily chatter. But her heart was heavy; she knew buying even a piece of holiday chocolate for each of them would be impossible.

The Stir family’s four-room apartment displayed a life of poverty. Florica’s husband Ioan had hurt his back, forcing him out of work. He helped with the children while she worked for a monthly salary of $36. They also received $70 of government assistance. After the rent and heat bills were paid, there was a little money left over for a few groceries. The family’s situation became even more desperate when Ioan turned to alcohol for comfort.

In the midst of the crisis, Florica stood strong and told her children to pray for their Christmas wish. An unexpected and wonderful surprise came to their doorstep just two days later! Volunteers from our outreach center in Timosoara, Romania had learned of their need and came bearing gifts. All Florica could do was sit down in amazement as her excited children opened up the bags filled with little toys, fruit and candy. Her family had received more than they had dared dream!

The Stirs are among the more than 124,000 hungry and hurting people living around the world that benefited from our Holiday of Hope program in 2003. With your generosity, we will help even more this year! As your family happily prepares for the holidays, please join us in sharing this joyous season with those in need; many of whom struggle to feed their children every day.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can help by making an online donation toward OBI's disaster relief efforts. With your support, we can continue to provide emergency relief and recovery. Please make an on-line donation today.

 

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