Sadly, for many people here in our community, life is looking bleak and hopeless. But, with the help of friends like you, this Christmas should be the day that changes the rest of their lives. That's what happened to Stacey.

Stacey was physically, emotionally and spiritually abused as a child. When she turned 18 she found herself homeless and alone. Then she met a man and fell in love. They soon got married and she gave birth to three children.

Things were looking up.

But the stress of life and haunting memories of her past drove Stacey to alcohol. She became addicted and could no longer care for her family. Her children were taken away. She had nothing. And that's where God met her. Stacey found out about the Orange County Rescue Mission and knew that this was where she needed to be.

While at the Mission everything changed.

"I grew up knowing what the Bible said. God has always been in my life. But only here did I find the truth of resting in Jesus," Stacey says. "Now I have direction and excitement about my life and my future."

You see, it's not just hot meals and safe shelter that make the holidays important at the Mission. It's that people like Stacey realize people like you really care about them.

I believe that we need to take Jesus at His word when He said: "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

The least among us here in Orange County are hungry and hurting. They're weary and afraid. And they need our help. Especially at Christmas.

That's why I am confident in saying that this is the most important gift you can give this Christmas season.

Please donate today. 

Gratefully,