For more than thirty years Trinity members and friends have delivered baskets to
needy families at Thanksgiving and Christmas time. Sometimes we don't realize the
blessing this brings to us and to our children.
Recalling her childhood experience delivering holiday baskets, Alisa Von Schimmelman
says "I got to meet people and see their joy." Alisa, now a teacher at Beswick School
in Tustin, remembers being about seven when she first learned the importance of giving.
As an eight year old, Susie (Kilgore) Colby, who is an Inter-Varsity Christian
Fellowship missionary in British Colombia, remembers visiting the elderly Lumley
couple on McFadden Street and bringing them a basket. When Susie learned that Opal
Lumley always baked bread for Communion, "It gave me a broader sense of who was
involved in putting on the services at church. It really changed how I understood
church and Communion."
"I was about 14," says one Trinity daughter, "when we brought in the food, the turkey
and a small gift for each of the children. It made me feel good to help a family,
obviously in great need. I remember the looks on the kids' faces. You could just see
the excitement in their eyes, and feel the gratitude of the parents."
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Many adults who have delivered baskets report experiences that have enriched their
holidays. One elderly grandmother was so overwhelmed that tears rolled down her cheeks
and she kept repeating "God bless you" in Spanish, says one member who delivers baskets
every year.
"I really enjoyed delivering baskets with my friend, Sharon Lancaster," recalls Sharon
Trout. "Sharon was smart enough to call ahead to ask what kind of kitchen facilities
were available to our chosen family. As it turned out, they just had a microwave in the
motel where they lived," That influenced considerably the groceries that the two
Sharons delivered.
Recipients enjoy giving as well. "When we delivered the Thanksgiving food they had
coffee and cookies for us. At Christmas, they gave us a lovely flowering plant. We sat
with them in their cozy living room and prayed together in Spanish and in English.
"We felt God's presence in that room," remembers Carolyn Thurston.
If you would like to deliver a basket, sign up on the patio or call
Marcie @ (714) 628-0468 or for information.
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