Living Thankful. It can be a lifestyle, if we will allow it. Today I want to share with you a family who is doing just that. After losing their oldest daughter, Glenda, to a congenital heart problem, Glendon and Kris Gooch have turned that loss into a way to help others. They are Living Thankful for Glenda’s life, and in turn seek to help other children in our community by providing a Christmas party for needy youngsters. My family and I are part of this effort this year and I wanted to give you, my readers, an opportunity to participate, as well.
The Glenda Gooch Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded by Glenda’s parents to honor the memory of Glenda, who was born in 1985 with severe congenital heart defects. She received a heart transplant on Christmas Day 1993. Glenda’s life was defined, not by her disability, but by the compassion, courage and love of others she exhibited on a daily basis. Glenda lost her valiant fight at the young age of 22 and went home to be with her Lord on January 29, 2008.
Glenda Gooch
The Glenda Gooch Foundation works with the local school system to help children in need. One of their projects is the annual Glenda Gooch Foundation Christmas Party. Last year the foundation provided a Christmas party for 120 needy children. The children all received a complete outfit, several gifts, a warm and hearty Christmas meal, played games, and most exciting of all–had their picture taken with Santa. This year, the need has grown drastically and close to 300 names of needy children have been submitted by the school for participation. The Foundation budgeted for 150. This is why the Foundation needs our help. How do you pic and choose when they are all children in need?????
As I talked with Kris this week, she told me that this year the Foundation is seeking to make sure each child who attends is given a Bible. If you are interested in contributing to the Foundation for the Christmas Party and gift of the Word of God to these children, please contact Kris at [email protected] or via telephone at 706 400 2371. The deadline for contributions is December 5th.
God bless you and keep on Living Thankful!
