A concert benefit for Haylift to Texas will be held at The Cotton Gin in Maxwell, TX, on February 12th, and proceeds from this event will help people, and especially their animals, suffering from the lack of food resulting from the Texas wildfires this fall and the recent drought said to be the worst in decades.
“A Roll In the Hay” is coming together with the help of agricultural professionals, farmers, Farm Aid, and transportation employees from Texas, Tennessee, Ohio and other areas. Proceeds from the benefit will be used to purchase hay and transportation through Lutheran Social Services Disaster Response, a 501c(3) nonprofit charity. Motivating people to donate hay to the cause has been the easiest part of this endeavor; the problem is funding the transportation of up to 100,000 tons of hay from other states to Texas. It is estimated that it costs $3,500 for one semi-truck to travel from Ohio to Texas with donated hay.
“Many people are still in need of help with hay for their livestock due to the drought and wildfires,” said Jean Crawford, Haylift To Texas event organizer. “Farmers north of us are willing to sell us hay at very reasonable prices or even donate hay if we are able to absorb the cost of transportation. The event will be fun and support a great cause.”
“A Roll In the Hay”is a family event, with a host of country entertainers performing throughout the afternoon and evening. They are: Rich O’Toole, John Wayne Schulz (of American Idol), Matt Begley & Bittersweet Whiskey, Bo Phillips and Brian Keane, Shy Blakeman, Seth Candan, Nick Verzosa, Kimberly Kelly and the Texas Renegade Band, Mark Alan Atwood and Brimstone, Dewey Wayne, and Russell Ray & Ken Reynolds.
The Cotton Gin houses a professional bull-riding arena, and cowboys from the Professional Bull Riders, organized by retired World Champion Scott Mendes, will be there to do some bull riding.
Several other country artists who will be on tour but want to participate, are donating auction items to help raise money for this endeavor, and encouraging others to do the same. They are: Miranda Lambert, Pat Green, Leeroy Parnell, Jerry Jeff Walker, Lee Ann Womack, Stoney Larue, and Randy Rogers Band. Callahan’s General Store, Cavenders, Pabst Brewing Company, and many others are donating items to the silent auction.
The Cotton Gin, 441 Railroad St. Maxwell, TX 78656, is located half way between Lockhart & Martindale on Hwy 142.
Plan to join us for what promises to be a wonderful Sunday afternoon!
Tickets(at the door): $25 Adults, $10 Child. Children 10 and under FREE.
Online donations can be made at www.LSSDisasterResponse.org.
Contact: Jean Crawford, 512-475-4818, haylifttotexas@yahoo.com
[story by Carolyn Boden, New Life volunteer]
“A new you… the same you but better.” That was the theme-of-the-day for the girls at New Life Children’s Center in Canyon Lake, when a group of 11 volunteers from ACTS Church Lakeway joined the New Life Chicktime group for a day that none of us will soon forget.
“Chicktime”* is the wonderful mother/daughter service group that is very active and involved at New Life. This was the first trip to New Life for our ACTS women’s group, and we were excited, but didn’t really know what to expect.
We left Austin around 6:30 a.m. and caravanned to San Marcos to pick up the daughter of one of our group at Texas State University, then we all headed to New Life. On the way we visited, watched the sun rise, and anticipated the day ahead.
At first we were just going to volunteer, but when Chicktime founder Lori Rhodes contacted us about leading a station, we knew God was asking more of us. I believe He had a bigger experience in mind for us that day. As it turned out, the time with the girls and the Chicktime volunteers had a huge impact on all of us.
Our group led a scrapbooking station where the girls designed the front of their personal journals. We also shared a handout with the girls, to give them ideas of what they could journal about and how journaling can tell a story of our journey with God.
Some of our group also volunteered in the zumba and yoga stations, or joined the girls as they moved from station to station.
We were very grateful to Nancy and Kelly of Chicktime, who answered all the questions we had before, during, and after the event. My heart was humbled as I experienced Christ’s love in each of the women who were there that day… their love of Christ for each other and for the girls.
ACTS Church Lakeway’s mission is “Sending Changed People into a Changing World” and as you read the quotes below from our group, you can see how we were all “changed” in one way or another on January 14th! I will always remember that special day, and am looking forward to being “SENT” on the next Chicktime event at New Life!
In their own words:
“Ashley and I discussed how those girls touched our lives more than they will ever know! We are looking forward to more time spent at Chicktime.”
“It’s a huge accomplishment to get the schedules of 11 busy women together, let alone be able to make a difference in the lives of some special kids.”
“I didn’t know what to expect and was struck by…just girls wanting to be girls – creating something beautiful…finding their favorite colors, words, patterns. We may never know what that brief time meant to them but certainly touched me giving me such a profound thankfulness for the blessings in my life and a desire to come back!“
“Attending a ChickTime event at the New Life Treatment Center was a privilege. The partnership between these two organizations to improve the lives of young women is inspirational. Leaving New Life that day, I knew I would be back very soon with ChickTime. As I wait for that day, I continue to pray for all those amazing girls who gave more to me than I possibly could have given them.”
“I was touched by the girls’ looking out for each other and thanking us for coming. The last two groups were smaller, allowing some one-on-one interaction. One young lady put her deceased Dad’s motto on her journal cover…and her son’s initials…my heart really went out to her. They were so creative, and the time seemed to fly. I’m looking forward to future visits.”
“One girl was really looking out for her friend and wanting to help her since her friend’s father had just passed away. Her friend’s father’s favorite Bible verse was John 3:16 and she found a sticker that had that verse on it. Although she wanted to use it on her journal, she really wanted her friend to have it. When she gave it to her friend, her friend just melted and thanked her. I was touched by the selfless act and compassion she showed. You could really see some of the friendships and bonds these girls have with each other. I was touched when they took the time to thank us before they left. They weren’t prompted to do so but did. I can only hope my teens would do that in a similar instance. I loved watching all their creative thinking going on….”
“I would echo the sentiment about the girls helping each other, especially if one was ahead of another. All the girls were very respectful and eager to follow through on the brief instructions. I thanked one girl for coming to share time with our station and she looked me in the eye and said “no, thank YOU” … to be sure I really knew she appreciated us there. Looking forward to going back again!”
*Chicktime is a grass roots movement created to serve the next generation, by bringing together groups of women using their unique gifts in the service of others. Chicktime New Life encourages the girls at the Center through fun projects that bring a bright spot to their lives.
We learned about DoSomething.org’s* “Teens for Jeans” campaign through a Krause Children’s Center** volunteer who was sure we would be a perfect match for this New York-based organization. And we sure are! This is the second year Krause has been the grateful recipient of jeans from this wonderful nonprofit group.
Why jeans, you ask? A good pair of jeans is always the #1 request of kids when they move into residential facilities like Krause.
Here’s how it works:
DoSomething.org and Aeropostale®’s Teens for Jeans campaign seeks to mobilize service-oriented teenagers to collect jeans to donate to homeless teens and those in residential centers and shelters across the country. Students organize jean drives at their schools and drop them off at their local Aeropostale and P.S. from Aeropostale stores. The stores then take the gently worn jeans to local shelters and organizations within that community. Last year, over 542,000 pairs of jeans were collected nationwide by this campaign, and the goal for 2012 is one million!
The campaign runs from January 16 through February 12. Krause’s jean donations will be collected at the Aeropostale Katy Mills store.
The kids LOVED the jeans they received from Aeropostale last year. We are so grateful for the support of other students around the U.S. who tackle teen issues and take part in this project. Krause is just one of the fortunate recipients to have this support.
*DoSomething.org harnesses the energy of motivated teenagers and unleashes it on causes teens care about. The call to action is always something that has a real impact and doesn’t require money, an adult, or a car. DoSomething.org is one of the largest organizations in the U.S. for teens and social change, focusing on “social changers” aged 25 and under.
**The children of Krause (ages 11-17) have been removed from their homes or foster placements due to intense behaviors caused by histories of severe abuse or neglect. At Krause the kids can relax, focus on learning, and heal through in-depth clinical therapy, personal development activities, and spiritual care.
Austin artists and residents all went a little crazy over the CowParade last fall, as a herd of fabulous bovine creations graced streets and sidewalks all over town. CowParade Austin included moosterpieces by more than 60 local artists. Happily, the cows all found new homes and raised a lot of money for Dell Children’s Medical Center.
Another colorful, much more portable, fundraising art project is currently underway in Austin: COWBOY BOOTS are being painted, collaged, blinged, and covered with feathers, all to be auctioned off at “Boots & Boas,” the 13th Annual Make a Difference Gala benefitting the girls at New Life Children’s Center in Canyon Lake*.
Following an open call to artists, a whole kit-and-kabootle of original boots have been created, and the results are stunning! These boots are made for much more than walkin’ – they are to be displayed as original sculpture. There are some wearable boots, but if they’re not in your size they make striking bookends. Add some fresh flowers, and they become unique table centerpieces or vases. One hoot-of-a-boot, the “Bootflop,” would enhance the décor of a beach or lake house, and the “Bridezilla” will add pizzazz to any wedding shower or bachelorette party.
Preview the Bootfolio on our online auction site (make sure to click View All) and get a head start with a bid on your favorite. The boots will be on display and winners notified at the Gala, with 100% of the proceeds going to help the girls at New Life.
NOW is the time to make your reservations online to attend “Boots & Boas,” February 18th at the Austin Music Hall. And make sure to keep checking back for the steady influx of bootiful new boots to the auction, as they appear on the website and FACEBOOTK.
*New Life is a residential treatment facility and safe haven where abused, neglected, and troubled young girls literally get a chance for a New Life. More than 2,000 young women, ages 11-17, have been cared for since New Life opened almost two decades ago. Home-like dormitories, and a balance of specialized trauma therapy sessions, academic classes, exercise, and socialization help the girls overcome their emotional burdens and restore a sense of hope.
This Friday, January 13th, is Tatiana’s 11th birthday. Nothing would make this birthday more memorable than to have a loving couple choose to become her parents. Forever. Her current life the Center for Family Placement in the town of Borovan, Bulgaria, meets her physical day-to-day needs but her emotional and educational needs could best be met by having a real family love and adopt her.
Tatiana is described as “social, engaging, and adjusts well to new environments. She is flexible and adaptable.” A very responsible young lady, she is a big help to the caregivers and staff at the Center. When given a task, she is diligent and persistent in completing it. Her “sunny” disposition endears her to both peers and adults, and she is praised for the kindness and empathy she shows toward adults and the other children.
Are you someone (or do you know someone) who can make this Tatiana’s best year ever? We would be happy to share additional information with you. Note: Tatiana is not her real name, but this is her real picture. Please contact Konnie Gregg by email at Konnie.Gregg@lsss.orgor call either 512-454-4611 or 800-396-4611.
In addition to Tatiana, there are many other non-special needs children, pre-school to teens, currently residing in Bulgarian orphanages – ready and waiting to be adopted. We’d like to introduce you to these very precious children!
[Story by Megan Douglass, Secretary, New Life Children’s Center]
Santa & Chicktime elves (l to r): Lisa Brown, Lori Rhodes (head of Chicktime), Terri Watts, Hal Myer (as Santa), Jennifer Clarke
The young ladies of New Life Children’s Center in Canyon Lake had an eventful and blessed holiday season. Things kicked off on December 10th, with a party hosted by “Chicktime.” Once a month Chicktime spends a Saturday morning with the girls, bringing treats and games, and teaching them new crafts and activities. The girls love it! And this year’s Christmas party was the perfect end to a fantastic year with Chicktime. The guest list included the praise band from Summit Christian Center in San Antonio who led the girls in traditional as well as some quirkier Christmas songs. Santa also made an appearance, bringing loads of presents for everyone, making him one of the favorite guests of the day. The girls all had an opportunity to get their photos taken with Santa for a keepsake. And of course, the holidays would not be complete without a little overindulgence in sweet treats, including a chocolate fountain. For more information about our wonderful Chicktime volunteers, check out their website: http://www.chicktime.org/
… And that was just the beginning of the Christmas celebration. “Women in Business,” a group from Canyon Lake that comes to New Life once a month to cook dinner for the girls, also hosted a party. Each year, Bridget McDougal, the head of Women in Business, gets various organizations in the community to participate in New Life’s Christmas celebration by donating gifts. On December 14ththe girls were presented with their gifts after enjoying a wonderful Christmas meal complete with homemade desserts. A surprise visit from Santa, with yet another photo op, topped off the night. Women in Business is our most enduring volunteer group, having volunteered with New Life for 14 years! We are grateful for their loyalty and enthusiasm for helping the girls at New Life.
Chicktime elves (l to r): Lisa Brown, Lori Rhodes (head of Chicktime), Terri Watts, Hal Myer (as Santa), Jennifer Clarke
[Story by Christie Kieschnick, BeREAL
Director of Education & Career Development]
More than 100 people gathered in New Orleans for a special celebration on December 15th when BeREAL held its annual Christmas party. Ten different organizations provided gifts for close to 100 children and youth. The grateful recipients were either part of the Greater New Orleans Foster and Adoptive Parents Association (GNOFPA)or BeREAL*.
GNOFPA brought lots of food (and it was delicious): chicken, shrimp fried rice, chips, and fruit boxes. The BeREAL “family” provided music, sandwiches, drinks, and desserts. Then it was time for games, and GNOFPA led everyone in a Christmas quiz and musical chairs. Why is it that musical chairs always seems to be even more fun for the adults than the kids? Next, a very jolly Santa stole the show when he gave out the presents. Kevin Kieschnick from LINCNewOrleansserved as MC of the event, and commented that the BeREAL Christmas party just gets better and better every year!
Five-year-old Morris (not his real name) attended his 2nd BeREAL Christmas party and certainly had a much better time this year. Last year he was so scared of Santa he was in tears – this year not only did he sit on Santa’s lap with a huge smile on his face, but he wouldn’t leave Santa’s side!!
BeREAL wishes everyone a very, very happy 2012!
* BeREAL (Ready, Educated, Accomplished Leaders), a project of Lutheran Social Services in collaboration with the Louisiana Dept. of Children & Family Services, provides transition services for youth ages 13-25 aging out of Louisiana’s foster care system, through training, support, and mentoring programs.
The residents of Trinity Place Apartments in Round Rock had full calendars during December, with so many volunteer groups from their Round Rock neighborhood making sure this was an especially Merry Christmas season. Trinity Place is HUD-subsidized housing for low-income seniors and adults with disabilities.
Let’s give a Happy New Year shout-out and a big thank you to the following:
· Dec 4th– Girl Scout Troop 1777 served a spaghetti lunch to residents.
· Dec 7th – The Round Rock Police TAP/SALT program picked up residents and provided lunch at the Sirloin Stockade.
· Dec 11th– Flight Directors (a local business) presented residents with a Texas Christmas BBQ lunch, Bingo with gift card prizes, and a gift card for every resident of Trinity Place.
· Dec 13th– Volunteers from Dell Computers came out and assembled 11 benches to be placed throughout the property for the residents to use.
· Dec 14th– The Trinity Place Board Christmas party and lunch for the residents was celebrated with entertainment by Ms. Natasha playing “the Russian Psychic Santa.”
· Dec 16th– Blue Santa program delivered gifts to each resident at Trinity Place
· Dec 22nd– The Trinity Place residents’ party and potluck given by the staff with Santa Clause (aka Dan Zieschang) in attendance.
Whew! What a wonderful and festive holiday season they had at Trinity Place!
Life for the Morgan family of Bastrop changed abruptly this past September when a wildfire that swept through their neighborhood destroyed their home, two vehicles, and all of their clothing. While their family and friends stepped in to help with food, clothing, and shelter, a hardship grant from Lutheran Social Services Disaster Response (LSSDR)gave them immediate financial assistance to begin rebuilding their lives. With their most basic needs met, this family was given the opportunity to begin to heal from this tragedy.
Through the generosity of LCMS World Relief and Human Care (LCMS WR-HC), LSSDR has been able to alleviate immediate financial hardship for many families like the Morgans, serving those whose losses from the wildfires have been most devastating. Initially, LCMS World Relief provided $25,000 for immediate assistance, then followed with an additional $25,000 to aid in long-term recovery efforts.
Mark Minick, senior vice president for External Relations/LSSDR said, “The $50,000 grant money from LCMS has been instrumental in our ability to help so many, in such a timely manner. It is expected that the response will continue for a minimum of two years. As in any disaster, the needs of the community will far outweigh resources. LSSDR is grateful for the support of partners such as LCMS World Relief and Human Care.”
LSSDR has been able to serve more than 250 people directly through emergency assistance, support of local children’s programs (homeschooled children who lost school supplies and books), spiritual and emotional care, and volunteer efforts. Among those aided were farm families who have been doubly affected by the fires and severe drought condition. Additionally, hundreds more have been served through the coordination, collection, and distribution of goods, as well as volunteer coordination and initial case management support.
LSSDR, a ministry of Lutheran Social Services of the South, provides emergency assistance to disaster survivors in Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) WR-HC is a ministry of hope that reaches out in mercy and compassion to those in need worldwide, and awards grants to domestic and international partners for projects that benefit communities in need.
The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption® is a wonderful organization and partner of ours in the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids™ (WWK) program, which has the single mission of placing foster children in permanent adoptive homes. We encourage everyone to tune in to this powerful CBS TV special Wednesday night, Dec. 21st. It shares stories of foster care adoption and features performances from some of America’s most popular musical artists.
© 2010 Lutheran Social Services of the South, Inc.8305 Cross Park Drive, Austin, TX 78754
