|
Training for Book Authors
|
|
|
Other Resources for Book Authors & Publishers
|
|
|
Please Support Our Advertisers
|
|
|
|
|
|
A Cruzader Christmas
Copyright (c) 2009-2023 Lisa Stockmann Karp
Jun and Joyce Dela Cruz couldn't believe their eyes. In November 2000, they watched a disturbing television news report that changed their Christmas forever. Thousands of the more than 10,000 homeless on Los Angeles' Skid Row would be going without a Thanksgiving or Christmas meal that year. The normally replete corporate and individual donations were way down, leaving local shelters, located only about 1/2 mile from L.A.'s wealthy Wilshire business district, with only enough money to feed a few hundred of the city's neediest residents. Jun and Joyce watched as they showed normally stocked food banks filled with only a small amount of canned goods and a few sacks of rice. They saw the faces of the thousands of men, women and children who would go without food, clothing and shelter.
For the Dela Cruz's, the holidays that year were the furthest thing from happy. In October 2000, they had lost their baby daughter, Jasmine, and the idea of celebrating the holidays without her was heartbreaking. Jun and Joyce decided to work through their sorrow by doing something different that Thanksgiving. They were moved to honor their daughter's memory by giving hope to others, and helping the needy on Skid Row have a happier Thanksgiving seemed like a great way to do that. Jun, Joyce and their son, Justin, went to the local grocery store, packed their Suburban to the brim with food and toiletries, and drove from their Yorba Linda, Calif. home to one of the local L.A. missions. After unloading the food donations, Jun handed a $2,500 cash donation to a local mission worker who said thank you and put it in his pocket. "It was the funniest feeling for me to hand the guy $2,500 bucks and not know whether it was going to go to the shelter or to his pocket," Jun says. Both Jun and Joyce felt really uncomfortable with the exchange. As they drove through the streets on the way home and saw dozens of shelters closed and hundreds of people on the streets, they decided they wanted to take matters into their own hands and give the food and supplies directly to the men, women and children in need.
For the next month, the couple motivated their business team members, family and friends to donate money and food for the cause. In the wee hours of that Christmas morning, Jun and Joyce loaded two SUVs with generous contributions of food, toiletries and clothing, and set out for L.A. They parked on a local street in the heart of Skid Row and brought Christmas spirit to hundreds of the area's homeless by handing them the much-needed supplies along with McDonald's gift certificates for a hot holiday meal. "We felt really good by the time we left because we felt this was actually something that was going to work," Jun says. And work it has. Christmas 2007, marked the seventh year Jun and his team have celebrated Christmas morning with the homeless on Skid Row. Jun and Joyce's grassroots effort has grown into a community project with more than 450 volunteers. Several local World Financial Group leaders and their teams, including John Pham, David Pham, Armando Gil, Bobby Garcia, Kalani Vale and Patrick Bet-David heard about Jun's Skid Row Christmas project and got involved. Jun receives the four moving trucks the project now requires at cost from a local rental company. Area merchants sell Jun and his team toys, sleeping bags, blankets, clothing and supplies at deep discounts. A local bread company gives them day-old bread for free. All of the teams accept donations of food, clothing, toiletries and money in November and December and warehouse the items in their offices. The weeks leading up to Christmas, the volunteers sort all of the donations, make toiletry kits for men and women, and wrap toys for the children. After midnight mass on Christmas Eve Jun, Joyce and the volunteers gather at his office to make thousands of sandwiches and food packages. At 6:30 a.m., the fully loaded trucks lead a caravan of more than 200 cars to the same side street in L.A. to off load the goods. Jun and the teams have the effort down to a science, with each truck distributing either food, clothing, or toiletries.
Orange cones help to form the lines, and they make sure each child that comes gets a toy. In addition to dispensing items from the trucks, volunteers also give out hugs and spend time talking and connecting with the people so they know they matter. When their work is done by 8:30 a.m., all of the volunteers go to the same Chinese restaurant every year - the owner keeps it open for them - and they start their Christmas day with a nice meal together.
"The same people expect us every year now," Jun says. "Usually at Christmas you are so used to receiving, and people tend to forget that Christmas isn't about receiving, it's about giving."
But the giving is not only for the homeless, but also from them. Jun, the volunteers and even their children have learned valuable lessons about what's important in life from the experience. A few years ago, Jun met a man on the line who told him he used to give food out to the homeless. He had been an attorney in downtown L.A. who lost his job, his license and his family, and had nowhere to go but the streets. One year, a volunteer ended up connecting with an old high school classmate whose family had found themselves homeless after their father passed away and they were left with nothing. Several years ago, when Jun's son, Justin, was five, he came out on his first charity Christmas with his family. As Jun drove closer to their destination, Justin, used to the comforts of their upscale home, asked why all of these people lived in cardboard boxes. When they began distributing the food and clothing, Justin clung to his father's leg, and held tight to the Power Ranger toy he'd wanted that he'd opened on Christmas Eve. He started talking to a little boy in line and then started to play with him. As Jun packed his family up to go home, Justin begged his father to stop the car. He ran out and gave the little boy his coveted Power Ranger toy, got in the car, and was quiet for the rest of the day. Justin, who normally can't wait to open Christmas gifts, didn't even want to open any more presents when he got home. "In our household, Christmas has changed quite a bit," Jun says.
Jun is considering starting a foundation in his daughter's name and making this project an official charity event. But at the same time, he doesn't want to lose touch with the people and the grassroots feeling of it all. "This gives people a direct connect. You know people are getting the donations because you can give it out yourself," he says. "And it gives the people hope to know there are good people out there who care about them."
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Family Articles || Related Categories: Finance Articles and World Events Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Lisa Stockmann Karp
Most Recent "Family" Articles
Why We Women Are Our Own Greatest Enemy When Dating
Written by: RoseMary Alberts |
Distributed: 2013-11-06 |
Word Count: 544 |
Page Views: 8622
| Votes: 33 |
Rating: 1.97
I have learned that while there are women who want to be
committed to one man, there are some others who seek only
attention, gifts, dinners, movies etc, and still others who are
only interested in having a physical relationship. But all these
three categories cannot be used as a base to judge women and
their point of view about relationships only because, like I
said, "Women never know what they want." So read on and you
will know what I mean...
When A Strong Woman Can Make You A Better Man
Written by: Coalton Reynolds |
Distributed: 2013-11-05 |
Word Count: 625 |
Page Views: 11253
| Votes: 24 |
Rating: 2.04
Behind every man, there is a strong women. After my recent
split with my girlfriend of two years I have found myself
thinking how much I have changed. At first, I just thought I
was only different around her, but now I seem to be a
totally different person.
Tips to Help You Get Back in the Dating Game After a Long-Term Relationship Ends
Written by: RoseMary Alberts |
Distributed: 2013-10-30 |
Word Count: 773 |
Page Views: 8561
| Votes: 24 |
Rating: 1.50
There are very few things in life that are as terrifying,
frustrating, rewarding, exciting and just plain crazy as dating;
especially if you have ceased to be a "spring chicken" or have
been out of the dating scene for many years. If you've found
yourself "back on the market" after being in a committed
relationship for many years, you may be petrified by the prospect
of dating again. The tips in this article will help you get back
into the game quickly and successfully...
The Eight Commandments of Online Dating
Written by: Kandice Skaggs |
Distributed: 2013-10-24 |
Word Count: 1153 |
Page Views: 5348
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 1.22
Dating and "desperate" may start with the same letter, but
they are not synonymous. Never were and never will be. If
you take the time to follow these eight online dating
commandments, you might be able to find the happiness you
seek at the other end of your online dating communications.
The Day My Daughter Woke Me Up to See That Her Father Never Really Loved Me
Written by: Mary Ann Lipitz |
Distributed: 2013-10-18 |
Word Count: 527 |
Page Views: 7339
| Votes: 26 |
Rating: 2.04
I am 31 years old with two children, and I was in a relationship
with the man I loved until two years ago. We were not married but
we lived together, and yes he is the father of my children. We
had been together for more than five years at that point, but we
never felt the need to get married. We had been happy the way
things were, until one day my daughter changed all that, at least
for me.
Dating Rules Explained: How to Turn Your Date Into a Relationship
Written by: RoseMary Alberts |
Distributed: 2013-10-16 |
Word Count: 779 |
Page Views: 9145
| Votes: 28 |
Rating: 1.64
How adults behave on a date depends more on their intentions
towards the other person than it does on other factors. For
instance, a man who really likes a woman is going to behave
differently towards her than he would a woman he is only casually
interested in. Sometimes, it is hard to know the difference.
6 Things You Can Do Today To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint Tomorrow
Written by: Lee Dobbins |
Distributed: 2011-12-12 |
Word Count: 845 |
Page Views: 6804
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 0.67
Reducing your carbon footprint is something that everyone
should strive for but what if you don't have a lot of money
to buy eco friendly appliances and hybrid cars? Here are 6
easy things that you can do right now to help reduce your
carbon footprint. These won't cost you a dime and might
even save you some money!
Raise Responsible Children
Written by: Marvin Marshall, Ed.D. |
Distributed: 2011-07-19 |
Word Count: 926 |
Page Views: 569
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 3.00
Using the strategies outlined here will help give your children
both roots and wings. You will find yourself on the parenting
journey to raise responsible children with less stress and more
enjoyment for everyone involved.
Alpaca Wear Makes Terrific Gifts for Men and Women
Written by: Robert Moore |
Distributed: 2010-07-27 |
Word Count: 772 |
Page Views: 4859
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 0.67
Alpaca wear has a long and venerable history and the first
record of Alpacas was in the Andean mountains. Alpacas were
perfect for producing a fiber suitable for protecting these
people from their extreme climate. Alpaca fiber is similar
to wool and known for its beauty, luster, warmth, and stain
resistance.
Top Ten 'Mistakes' Made by Parents America
Written by: Ryan Hogan |
Distributed: 2010-04-27 |
Word Count: 970 |
Page Views: 5785
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 0.67
On one hand the word "mistake" may be too harsh. Every
child is different and only you really know if your
offspring is happy and flourishing. Therefore, who is to say
what a parenting mistake is and is not? On the other hand,
"mistake" may not be harsh enough.
Most Viewed "Family" Articles
Girls Sleepover Party Ideas
Written by: Jillian Gallo |
Distributed: 2008-09-16 |
Word Count: 837 |
Page Views: 17058
| Votes: 140 |
Rating: 2.04
Throwing a sleepover for your daughter is one of the most
memorable events she will have from her childhood. Regardless of
her age, these parties make memories she will take with her as
she grows up. How can you make these nights more memorable? By
following a few tips, you can make the most out of your
daughter's next sleepover.
How To Identify Toxic Black Mold
Written by: Daryl Watters |
Distributed: 2007-05-08 |
Word Count: 405 |
Page Views: 14587
| Votes: 26 |
Rating: 2.38
Need toxic black mold or stachybotrys toxic mold testing
information or mold inspector information. Certified Florida
based mold assessor and inspection firm serving Broward Dade and
Palm Beach County including Miami and Ft Lauderdale. Conduction
Florida mold testing IAQ testing for commercial and home house
mold and indoor air quality problems. Florida mold inspection.
Graduation Flowers Are At The Head Of The Class
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-04-24 |
Word Count: 538 |
Page Views: 14384
| Votes: 35 |
Rating: 1.83
The coming of spring signals new beginnings, and each year many
young adults take the first steps toward that new beginning
when they walk across the stage to accept a diploma at their
graduation ceremony. Of course, with graduation comes excitement,
smiles, tears, a big celebration, and lots of wonderful memories.
One way to help make the day even more beautiful and memorable
is with flowers.
When A Strong Woman Can Make You A Better Man
Written by: Coalton Reynolds |
Distributed: 2013-11-05 |
Word Count: 625 |
Page Views: 11253
| Votes: 24 |
Rating: 2.04
Behind every man, there is a strong women. After my recent
split with my girlfriend of two years I have found myself
thinking how much I have changed. At first, I just thought I
was only different around her, but now I seem to be a
totally different person.
How To Find Work At Home Jobs For Work At Home Moms
Written by: Glen OReilly |
Distributed: 2009-11-03 |
Word Count: 1512 |
Page Views: 9578
| Votes: 29 |
Rating: 2.52
As the economy continues to tighten for many American families,
more moms are looking to the Internet to find the extra money
needed to help their families survive during this economically
challenging time. The good news is that there are plenty of
opportunities for the mom seeking to earn money from home... When
you know where to find them... This article will show you where
to find those work-at-home jobs and telecommuting jobs you
desire...
Destructive Behaviors That Cause a Relationship Break Up
Written by: James Kern |
Distributed: 2009-07-15 |
Word Count: 644 |
Page Views: 9468
| Votes: 21 |
Rating: 2.43
On the surface, you think that being in love is the greatest
thing since sliced bread, but underneath you're flailing and
kicking and trying to get back to the status quo, which is you
being alone and miserable. It sucks, but you're used to life
there. If Alone and Miserable were a bar, everybody there would
know your name.
Selective Mutism Disorder Is More Of A Problem Than You Think
Written by: Ingrid Stenquist |
Distributed: 2007-04-11 |
Word Count: 682 |
Page Views: 9444
| Votes: 33 |
Rating: 3.42
One of the worst and most severe manifestations of childhood
social anxiety disorders is labeled as Selective Mutism disorder.
Originally, fifteen years ago the disorder was called Elective
Mutism because doctors figured that all children who didn't talk
were either shy or in another category. Elective mutes were seen
as belligerent, stubborn, and obnoxious kids who were rebelling
by not talking against some effort in order to get attention.
Pepper Spray: How Does it Feel to Get Blasted?
Written by: Fred Cheney |
Distributed: 2007-12-18 |
Word Count: 477 |
Page Views: 9439
| Votes: 28 |
Rating: 2.61
It's something to think about. What would happen if you tried
to use pepper spray and it sprayed into your own eyes? And,
could you accidentally blind someone with it? Permanently maim
them? What are the effects of pepper spray? These are important
questions and they certainly have answers.
Dating Rules Explained: How to Turn Your Date Into a Relationship
Written by: RoseMary Alberts |
Distributed: 2013-10-16 |
Word Count: 779 |
Page Views: 9145
| Votes: 28 |
Rating: 1.64
How adults behave on a date depends more on their intentions
towards the other person than it does on other factors. For
instance, a man who really likes a woman is going to behave
differently towards her than he would a woman he is only casually
interested in. Sometimes, it is hard to know the difference.
I Want My Ex Back! 5 Tips That Will Improve Your Chances
Written by: James Kern |
Distributed: 2009-03-03 |
Word Count: 625 |
Page Views: 8918
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 2.73
Five killer tips that help you claw back your ex, even if your
situation seems in dire straits.
Highest Ranked "Family" Articles
Selective Mutism Disorder Is More Of A Problem Than You Think
Written by: Ingrid Stenquist |
Distributed: 2007-04-11 |
Word Count: 682 |
Page Views: 9444
| Votes: 33 |
Rating: 3.42
One of the worst and most severe manifestations of childhood
social anxiety disorders is labeled as Selective Mutism disorder.
Originally, fifteen years ago the disorder was called Elective
Mutism because doctors figured that all children who didn't talk
were either shy or in another category. Elective mutes were seen
as belligerent, stubborn, and obnoxious kids who were rebelling
by not talking against some effort in order to get attention.
Anybody Can Spend, but Can You Save?
Written by: Rich Thawley |
Distributed: 2009-01-22 |
Word Count: 527 |
Page Views: 4607
| Votes: 20 |
Rating: 3.25
We have a great weakness in our society of wanting immediate
gratification. We are under a constant barrage in all forms of
media to buy this or to buy that. In our world of credit cards
and charge accounts it is a challenge for many to resist the
temptations of materialism. Don't get me wrong, I think it's
fun to have nice things, but only after we can afford them.
How Can Bible Study Help Kids Grow Up?
Written by: Adam Barnett |
Distributed: 2007-10-23 |
Word Count: 463 |
Page Views: 5383
| Votes: 13 |
Rating: 3.15
Bible study is probably the number one way to keep your kids on
the right path, and keep them out of trouble. We can't watch our
kids all day and night, and we can't keep bad influences from
coming to them. But what we CAN do is make sure they know wrong
from right. This will help them when they face problems and major
decisions on their own.
Being a Parent... Opportunities to Turn A Bad Experience Into a Good Experience
Written by: Bill Platt |
Distributed: 2007-11-12 |
Word Count: 478 |
Page Views: 5885
| Votes: 21 |
Rating: 3.10
The biggest challenge I have had to face in my own life is that
of being a good parent. My kids make it hard for me to stay true
to the rules of good parenting... They break everything I own...
Repeatedly... Fortunately, I do have the presence of mind to
realize that as toddlers and young children, they really do not
intend to break things...
Home Alone Child Safety
Written by: Jerry Tarrer |
Distributed: 2007-03-21 |
Word Count: 1038 |
Page Views: 4560
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 3.00
Your child's safety depends to a large part on good
communication between you and your children. This is especially
true of two-income families, and single parent families where the
children are left alone for extended periods of time and have to
care for themselves.
PB and Js And Licking The Bowl - The Joys Of A Kid Friendly Kitchen!
Written by: Pamela Cole Harris |
Distributed: 2008-02-14 |
Word Count: 554 |
Page Views: 5449
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 3.00
Remember licking the bowl when you were a kid? Or making your own
peanut butter sandwiches with grape, or better yet strawberry,
jelly? Mmmmm... the smell of homemade oatmeal cookies! And they
were even better because you knew you helped make them! Kitchens
can be a place of special memories for kids of any generation.
Are you building those memories with your children or do you view
the kitchen as a dangerous place for kids?
Educational Toys Can Be Fun
Written by: Kim Michael |
Distributed: 2009-04-01 |
Word Count: 521 |
Page Views: 3737
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 3.00
Most parents these days are looking for toys that can be both
educational and fun. When playing with our children, parents want
to teach as well as have fun.
Potty Training Made Easy
Written by: Kim Michael |
Distributed: 2009-04-07 |
Word Count: 507 |
Page Views: 4279
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.00
If you're the parent of a toddler, you are probably looking for
the right signs that your child is ready to be potty trained.
Potty training your child can be a frustrating time in your life.
When your child is ready to be potty trained, they will provide
to you clues that the timing is right. If you capitalize on these
clues, and use the right tools, this can be an exciting time in
your life, as well as your child's.
Understanding State Child Support Laws and Guidelines
Written by: Amerion Abler |
Distributed: 2007-01-15 |
Word Count: 1078 |
Page Views: 3513
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 2.92
Child support is the government's means of ensuring that
children enjoy the financial security that a two-parent home
would have afforded them. This is the primary moral concern of
child support laws --- that children be well provided for --- and
it is based on the principle of responsibility. Read on as we
examine the role of child support and how to keep it fair for
both parents.
Seven Tips That Could Add Hundreds Of Dollars To Your Monthly Budget
Written by: Fred Vanhoosen |
Distributed: 2009-04-23 |
Word Count: 1348 |
Page Views: 4139
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.89
In this article, we offer seven tips that if used can help the
average American family reduce their living expenses by at least
$100 per month.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|
This work is
licensed under a
Creative Commons
License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
|
Article Statistics
|
Word Count: 1185
Total Views: 5552
Article Rating: 2.89 of 5
Votes Cast: 9
More Articles By Author:
Articles On This Website
Last Distribution Date:
2009-01-23 12:00:00
Internal ID: #6523
|
|
|
Home