Her 4-year-old daughter, Alexis, is “on the chubby side,” says Arlene Loomis. She has a good appetite.

Her son, Jaxon, just 4 months old, is breast-feeding. Making sure the family eats healthy meals is a priority, says Loomis, but it’s also a challenge.

Loomis, 27, and her boyfriend, Leslie Reeves, 32, are careful with what little money they have because both are unemployed in a brutal economy.

To continue reading about how this family is staying optimistic this season, or to help, read the rest at the Monterey County Herald by clicking here.

Operation Christmas Cheer is a partnership between The Monterey County Herald, 1st Capital Bank and The Salvation Army to support local families in need of support during the Christmas season. This is the 26th year of Operation Christmas Cheer, which has raised over over $2 million for families in Monterey County. During the course of the Christmas season, The Herald will run several stories like the one above highlighting families who are in need of assistance this year and are being helped by The Salvation Army.

Thousands are still suffering in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene’s tear along the east coast. The Salvation Army continues to meet the needs of individuals and families of the affected areas in several states. In the southern part of the U.S. alone, The Salvation Army has served more than 60,000 meals, snacks and drinks and handed out hundreds of clean-up kits.

From North Carolina to Massachusetts, here are the updates: (Continue Reading)

Those interested in aiding the relief effort are encouraged to give financial donations, which offer great flexibility and enable local disaster responders to purchase exactly what is needed as close to the disaster zone as possible.

There are four ways people can contribute money to The Salvation Army’s ‘Japan Earthquake / Tsunamis’ disaster relief efforts:

• TEXT the words “Japan” or “Quake” to 80888 to make a $10 donation
• By PHONE: 1-800-SAL-ARMY  — Designate gift for “Japan Earthquake / Tsunamis” (credit card or debit card)
• ON-LINE at: www.SalvationArmyUSA.org — designate gift for “Japan Earthquake / Tsunamis”
• By MAIL:  Send your check or money order, marked “Japan Earthquake / Tsunamis” to

The Salvation Army
PO Box 80066,
Prescott, AZ. 86304-8066

Did you just make a donation? Let us know which method you used and/or prefer! 

**At this time, The Salvation Army is not accepting in-kind donations from the general public for disaster relief operations in Japan. Keep in mind it will be extremely difficult and expensive to ship in-kind donations overseas from the United States to Japan. It is more efficient for disaster relief agencies to purchase needed resources locally and for immediate distribution with the disaster area. The best way for U.S. donors to help Japanese disaster survivors is to make a cash donation.

Please note that The Salvation Army continues to accept donations of used clothing, furniture and other items to support local programming. Please consider donating your used items to your local Salvation Army Thrift Store. Please call 1-800-SA-TRUCK | (1-800-728-7825)

Here is a recap of the work The Salvation Army has been doing since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast five years ago this month.

Hurricane Katrina: Five Years On

	Thursday • 7:00 March 5 The San Jose Event Center 290 S 7th Street “Indescribable,” “How Great is Our God,” “Made To Worship” and many others.

Tickets available at the Convention Center box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com –
or by phone at 1- 866-448-7849

This morning I got to participate in a time of worship and Bible study. They sang in Russian, but there were a few songs that I recognized and could sing along in English. It’s great to see how God is at work here.

Last week I toured the museum of modern art and a tower with a great view of the city. I’ve also been enjoying lots of quality time with my family here. In three more days I begin the trip home.

See you next week!

Franny

Saturday May 31st
10am–2pm

Get FREE help from our very own computer geek!

• Basic PC Cleanup of Spyware and Viruses
• Installation of Software and Hardware
• Diagnose and Troubleshoot computer problems
• Tutorials and Recommendations
• Any other computer questions we’ll try to answer!

Just bring your computer. We have monitors, keyboards and mice to fit most PCs.

For more information contact Melissa at 899-4911

PC Workshop Flyer

530 Elm Ave (Youth Center Bld 2)
Seaside, CA 93955
View Larger Map

Tuesday, April 8th

Last Thursday, we arrived in Astana. The weather still quite pleasant, although the past few days have cooled considerably. We even saw hail today.

I got to go to the student center and talked with some students about what it means for them to be Kazakh. I also got to practice some Spanish with one of the students. I’m enjoying meeting some locals and tasting their cuisine.

Paka (Bye) for now,

Franny

Privet! (Hi! in Russian)
I arrived here safely, and the 26 hour travel day wasn’t so bad. The first 3 days I spent at the retreat looking after 6 little ones. They are good kids, and their parents really appreciated our help so they could enjoy the meetings.
I’ve done some sight seeing and am having fun with my brother, sister-in-law, niece, and nephew.
Thanks for your prayers!
Franny

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