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Cathy’s Prayer List Fabiola • Ed & Ruth • Sara • Sara--Lee Raul • Rudy • Lisa • John McLean • Darren • Jan Cerrito • Rev. Patrick O’Shea • Angela Forrest & Family • Angelo (Passed 10 • 21--08, the 10--21 family thanks everyone for their prayers) Maria Dragon • Blanch Lake • Dave Nerau • Megan • Theresa • Allan Rosenthal • His Prison Ministry Gloria Parker • Donald Collins • Eva Sofo • Michael Manning • • Tonya Steve & Donna • To add a name to the list call 954 954--410 410--6275 No monetary donations needed
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Boy shares heartbreaking last wish
D octors gave 11-year-old Brenden Foster two weeks
to live. Those two weeks were up on Wednesday. On Friday, he shared his last wish. Not yet a teenager, Brenden's time to die has come. "I should be gone in a week or so," he said. Brenden was the kid who ran the fastest, climbed the highest and dreamed of becoming a marine photographer. Leukemia took away all those things, but not his dying wish to help others. "He's always thought about others. Never complained about having to go through this, ever," said his mother, Wendy Foster. When Brenden was first diagnosed with leukemia, he and his mom began a new tradition. Every night they list three positive things that happened during the day, and they have to share a laugh. A chuckle will do, Brenden said, but a fake laugh will never do. In the last days of his life, it was a homeless camp, namely Nickelsville, that captured the boy's heart. View Video at "I was coming back from HomelessVoice.tv one of my clinic appoints and I saw this big thing of Video #119 homeless people, and then
Happy Birthday Jesus!
Too sick to leave bed, Brenden thinks of how he can help the homeless.
I thought I should just get them something," he said. Brenden is too ill to leave his bed and feed the homeless. He walked into an emergency room last December and hasn't walked since. But Brenden's wish will not go unfulfilled. A group planned to gather in his honor on Friday night to make sandwiches and deliver them to the homeless. "We're making 200 sandwiches -- half ham and cheese, and half peanut butter and jelly. He didn't want them all to be peanut butter and jelly in case somebody was allergic to peanut butter," said Jennifer Morrison, one of the participants. "They're probably starving, so give them a chance," said Brenden. (Continued on page 5)
DFY-IT Lend a hand and Feed Hundreds
T
he last two months of a year and the first month of the New Year are the times that we all are with family and giving gifts to each other and just spending time with our loved one. Please keep in mind as we all may be able to spend time with our friends and families that there are many who can’t for a number of reasons. Some of the reasons may include not having the funds to do so, not being able to get time off of work, and of course there are many who just don’t have family. Let’s not forget about the couples in retirement that spent the last fifty years with each other and now just this past year their other half, their spouse for all those years in the past might have just died this year. Put yourself in their shoes, after going to bed for fifty years with each other and waking up each and every morning together, and then they will miss that great cup of coffee that their spouse made for them for the last fifty years. To some a cup of coffee may not sound so great but please understand it is what is said to each other while having that cup of coffee with their soul mate that means the world to each of them. This should be the time that we all should reach out to those in need and who need someone to just say “Happy Thanksgiving” or “Merry Christmas” too. This also means that we should find someone special to just give a little help to, whether it is a friendly smile or an invite for dinner for those who will be eating alone, that’s where it all starts. The most important thing we should remember during this time of holiday sharing is, (Continued on page 4)
S
aturday, November 22, that was the day that a group of teens attended the Homeless Voice Institution in Broward. Thirty Felix Varela High School DFY-IT members stopped their crazy teen schedule to Cook and Serve a Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner for nearly 200 members of the institution. What was started as a huge can food drive had ended in a delicious menu all cooked and prepared from scratch, by teens. Baked Turkey, Green Bean Casserole, Sweet Corn, Mash Potatoes, Chicken, and different variety Pies, were just some of the dishes prepared. As if that weren’t enough, the dishes were extraordinary to the (Continued on page 5)
The Voice of the Homeless
Page 2
HOMELESS VOICE Mail check to:
For just $15.00 a month you can keep a homeless family off the streets for a day.
COSAC Foundation P.O. Box 292-577 Davie, FL 33329 Please include on memo what name should appear in paper.
NEW!!! Sign up Online: www.HomelessVoice.org click on “Online Store” Please include in comments what name should appear in paper.
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The Targett Family Patrick Helings John Bendor In Loving Memory of Uncle Joe & Nana Shannon Brooks Lisa Cebrat Pakita Price The Watsons Sally Lister Judith Kelly Martha Roman The Baptista Family John Criasia Daniel Harrison The Martinez Family Amanda Reynolds Dolores R. Cerra Bob Hall Tressie W. Osborne Clark Rogers The Savir Family Corinne James Chris Sanchez Hugo DeCarpintini Mario Yuio Richard Friedman Diane Friedman Uylna Quadrino Arnold Reemer In Loving Memory of Peter Sullivan Maryann Springer Elaine Snaith Marshal Bugin Keith Yude Bruce Wethersoon Isabelle J. Henry Raul Cardenas M.D. Wendy Bryan Jacqueline McCarty Darla King Paula King Richard Gomez Anthony Ralph Jennifer Hicky Timothy Lukehard Thomas Rua Justin Rowan Mary Green Morris Grazi Marvin Shatze Ronald Shafer Vance Gunn Adam Staler Allen Yancy Jimmy Daniels Mel Blount Carol Lockette Anna Marye Levier Magan Narduzzi Andre Johnson Antione Collins Eric Harrison Jessica Padilla
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Sheldon Jones Carlo Harrison Jason Emrik Dan Gilcert Amber Rowan Jackie Johnson Ricky Cambell Todd Palgon The Morabito Family Todd Palgon Holly J. Andrus Dorr’e Terry Samual Manery Marilyn Vokish Jenny Curic Amy Curic Lisa Jackson Jim Johnson Bobby Neal Erica Fulton Darren Nolf Erica Sanclair Steve Dillan Dallan Michele King Bobby Ore Casandra Thomas Tara Hunter Mark Faber Nichole Faber Kevin Britt The Cable Family The Maione Family Barbara Strong Grace Marth Regla J Ferrer The Baldwin Family C.R. Gallagher Jonathan Burger Russell J. Ferguson Marjorie G. Rhines Jamie F. Flores In Loving Memory Of Thomas Gasbarro Cathy and Kids The Davis Family Graham R. Mitchell Essential Oil Healthline Amparo L. Korey John’s Plumbing Service Thank You Winn Dixie Ms. Marilyn Smith Albert J. Taragowski Ruth C Grey Mike Cross Tamara Southard Raul Cardenas MD PA Al and Annie Hurricane Prevention Inc Adriana Fernandez Andrea Brown The Kunicki Family Danny and George OTD Messenger, Inc M. Smith Yorick and Bonita
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Parrica Lee Russ & Delores B Mordon Robert Jesus Llanes Comet Couriev Proietto Family In Memory of Billy Corwin Josh Searles Patricia Lee Russ Delores B Mordon Everglades Moon, Covenant of Goddess, Elibet Hanson Judy B. Pascarella John Gaeta Michael R. Prokop, Jr. Surfin’ Seniors Inc Jackie M. McCarty In Memory of Charles Horton In Memory of William F. Judge In Loving Memory of Florence & Nat Popkin Tailored Advertising, Inc Claudia K. Tapolow
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Margie Jones
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In memory of Wesley H. Woodall Maria M. Riveiro
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Gottlieb & Blair Family Pioneer Middle School Youth Crime Watch Rhenals-Mei Family
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Ronald Prescia
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In Memory of Brian Groleau Laura Flash
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The Strikowski family Margie Jones & Friends
Jacqueline M. McCarty The Herrmann Family The Monserrate Family Madeline Butera Jennifer S. Nickel Marilyn R. Smith David Thawley On Behalf of Matthew Lambert Mustafa Mehmet Gokoglu In Memory of Scott Paul Cooper Robert and Ruth Baal In Memory of Melba DeSanto In Memory of My Mother Pearl McCann, Love Teresa Barbara Desanto Leah and Ray Michael & Michale Rhett Marie Sutera Floyd and Luana Coats Doug Boucher Family Kevin Jones Dorothy Griffith Family In Loving Memory of Kris Soltan Kevin “KJ” Jones Douglas Boucher The Swartout's Ivonne Fernandez The Verny & Stewart Families In Loving Memory of Frances Klein The Herrmann Family
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Lois, for all your help. –Joan Futscher & Kids McAvoy Family The Geise Family Mrs. Jenkins Richard & Margaret Martin Kenny Angela Adriana N. Quila Elizabeth P. Sublett Barbara N Robinson Mark E. Johnson Adrienne and Mike Julio A. Izquierdo Ann M. Hamilton Nicole Lee Nelson Anthony Rhodes Susan P Brady Christine M Wilson K.J. Williams Renato & Malika Vasconez Christine McAuliffe In Memory of Chief George J. Hodges Real Breakthrough Solutions Hartford Property Connection, Inc. In Loving Memory of Rex Lichtenberger In Loving Memory of Jose A. Estruch, Jr. Ronald & Cathy Walker Ms. Evelyn Salerno Nicole Lee Nelson Al & Barbara Liebmann In Loving Memory of Isabel Grimany Dr Mary Michaela Farren In Memory of My Good Friend Pat Gibson Fred T Verny JR
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Nicole Lee Nelson In Memory of Dan Holland Sheila Holder Merav & Ezra Alexander In Memory of Maxima Oakland Park Elks Lodge # 2407 J. Coffee In Memory of Stanley Smolen In Memory of Martin Grey God Bless Florence Menard Sebastian Parks Kellie Jones Jesus Diaz Virginia H. Bailey Naomi Ross Deborah H Green In Loving Memory of Giankarlo Squicemari In Loving Memory of My Daughter Melissa Lurz In Loving Memory of Charles J. Youngman In Loving Memory of Martin E. Grey Sabrina Thorton, Former Ms. Ft. Lauderdale Beth Farans, Saks Jewelry Designer Margaret D. Neverdousky Sandra L. Wilhelm
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The Schneider Family John Dinielli Dorothy Kay Garbutt In Memory of Bill Sledge The Ramos Family In Memory of Gertrude Chong In Memmory of Steven Maderman Roy T. Bruno, Jr. In Memory of George Ericson Albert J. Hamilton Ph D Laura & Bill Fash David V Torlone Rainer Hansen Juan Galindo John Evans & Family Constance Lessoff Maria Nieto Margaret Melendez Raymund Joseph James & K. Heather Molans Ronald Prescia Sheila Holder Janet Campbell Rosemary & Mark Zenobia Andrew N. Daly Susan C Humeston Denis and Bertha Arenstein Steve Goolsby Baumann Family The Matsuura Family Susan Brady Carol Murray Phyllis R. Bebko George & Carmen Gulisano Dawn Monfries Intercontinental Management Consulting Group, Inc. Connie & Ginger Murphy Calvary Chapel of Doral Mr. and Mrs. Bocanegra Richard Rios Robert and Betty Short Brad and Krystal Kelly Thomas A Kramer Lavances Wright-Rolle Otto Garcia Mr. and Mrs. Carson Dawn Sinka Tom Thumb Food Stores In Memory of Martha Hughes Zlata and Alfredo Jr Salazar Charles K. Wilson In Memory of Irene Grady Johnson Karen B Povlock Deborah F. Immormino Bill and Priscilla La Gasse Evan V Jones Bonita L Akinji G.R. and J.D. Falbey Kaveh Vassal Demetrius D Rodriguez Paola C Mollica Joseph Yagbes YOUR NAME HERE
In Loving Memory of Shirley Coulson
John C. Burt Renato & Malika Vasconez In Memory of C.T.R. Thank you so much, Sean &
In Loving Memory of Donald Fraser
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Volume X, Issue 11
HOMELESS VOICE LE TT ER S TO TH E E DITO R SEN D T O:
Dear Supporters, I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! I hope all of our readers are able to share these magical times with someone they love! Thank-you for all your support! Sara Targett
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The Voice of the Homeless
Page 4
HOMELESS VOICE Happy Birthday Jesus! (Continued from page 1)
let’s make those three months of holidays stretch to a whole twelve
“Christmas has our Lord and Saviors name in the holiday name” months. This means let’s be kind the whole year no matter what. Some of us may not have funds to help someone in need, if this is the case, give someone a big hug or a loving smile because that can go a long way. For us Christians, let’s not forget that the word Christmas has our Lord and Saviors name in the holiday name. Too many times we all forget that this holiday is here for the reason to celebrate His birth so eventually He would get crucified, suffer, and die for our sins and then three days later rise proving to us that we too will have ever lasting life if we believe in Him. So when
you wake up with the kids this year and they are about to open up their presents from Santa, first yell out loud “Happy Birthday Jesus!” The cutest thing I have ever seen when it comes to His birthday is some parents make a birthday cake and on the top of the cake the words read, “Happy Birthday Dear Jesus.” -Sean Cononie
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there. The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads. And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled down for a long winter’s nap. When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below. When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
Happy Holidays The Story of Chanukah Every year between the end of November and the end of December, Jewish people around the world celebrate the holiday of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights. Chanukah begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, but the starting date on the western calendar varies from year to year. The holiday celebrates the events which took place over 2,300 years ago in the land of Judea, which is now Israel. Long ago in the land of Judea there was a Syrian king, Antiochus. The king ordered the Jewish people to reject their God, their religion, their customs and their beliefs and to worship the Greek gods. There were some who did as they were told, but many refused. One who refused was Judah Maccabee Judah and his four brothers formed an army and chose as their name the word "Maccabee", which means hammer. After three years of fighting, the Maccabees were finally successful in driving the Syrians out of Israel and reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem. The Maccabees wanted to clean the building and to remove the hated Greek symbols and statues. On the 25th day of the month of Kislev, the job was finished and the temple was rededicated. When Judah and his followers finished cleaning the temple,
Twas the Night before Christmas Poem
With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name! "Now Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! On, Cupid! On Donner and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!" they wanted to light the eternal light, known as the N'er Tamid, which is present in every Jewish house of worship. Once lit, the oil lamp should never be extinguished. Only a tiny jug of oil was found with only enough for a single day. The oil lamp was filled and lit. Then a miracle occurred as the tiny amount of oil stayed lit not for one day, but for eight days. Jews celebrate Chanukah to mark the victory over the Syrians and the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple. The Festival of the Lights, Chanukah, lasts for eight days to commemorate the miracle of the oil. The word Chanukah means "rededication." In America, families celebrate Chanukah at home. They give and receive gifts, decorate the house, entertain friends and family, eat special foods, and light the holiday menorah.
(Continued on page 6)
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot. A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack. His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow. The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath. He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly! He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself! A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread. He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk. And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose! He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
Advantage Communications, Inc. is a proud supporter of The Cosac Foundation "Excellence in Radio"
Page 5
Volume X, Issue 11
HOMELESS VOICE Boy shares heartbreaking last wish dreds with generous hearts donated six and a half huge truck loads of Brenden, surrounded by groceries and more than $60,000 in love and wise beyond his years, cash to benefit Northwest Harvest urges others to follow their dreams. and Food Lifeline. "Mine already came true," Brenden touched hearts all he said. over the world. His wish came true, Brenden has relapsed for and he lived to see the last time. There is no chemo, no "Follow your dreams. it. "He had the joy of more transfusions; just comfort medi- Don't let anything stop seeing all of the beautiful response cations. you," he said. to his last wish," "It's devsaid his grandastating, but I find mother, Patricia McMorrow. "It great peace in knowing we've had gives him great peace and he knows our time together and that we will that his life has meaning." see each other again," said Wendy. "He's left a legacy and he's Brenden has one more wish only 11," said his mother, Wendy for the afterlife: become an angel Foster. "He's done more than most who accomplishes even more in people dream of doing just by makheaven than he did on Earth. ing a wish." "I had a great time and until Days before dying, Brenden my time has come, I'm gonna keep surprised us with a sudden burst of having a good time," he said. Don't energy. He wanted to get off the cry for Brenden. He doesn't want oxygen, hop out of bed and go buy a leukemia to claim any more tears. video game. Wise beyond his years, How to help but still a kid. Go to the Problem Solvers "I have been so blessed to donation page at KOhave this child. A mother couldn't MONEWS.COM and select ask for a better son," Wendy said. "Brenden Foster Food Drive" from The B-Man, as his family the donation options list. Boys Last Wish Inspires called him, had one more wish before going: sprinkle wildflower Many seeds to save the bees. He had heard Brenden's last wish took on bees were in trouble. a life of its own. Someone answered BA TV station in Los AngeMan's wish. A retired pilot asked his les held a food drive. School kids in pilot and flight attendant friends to Ohio collected cans. People in Pensprinkle wild flowers around the sacola, Florida gathered goods. world, from Bali to Brazil, on And here in Western WashBrenden's behalf. ington, KOMO viewers from all When asked what made over took part in the Stuff the Truck him sad, Brenden said, "When somefood drive in Brenden's honor. Hun(Continued from page 1)
DFY-IT Lend a hand and Feed Hundreds (Continued from page 1)
point where everyone was overjoyed and thankful. DFY-IT President, Cristopher Valdes (17 yrs), said: "I am very glad that there is an organization such as DFY-IT that motivates and gives us the tools and opportunity to be able to help everyone around our community by making an impact in it such as the one that we made in the Homeless Voice." One thing is for sure, the Homeless Voice Institution will never forget the fantastic job that Varela's DFY-IT organized for them. DFY-IT or Drug Free Youth in Town is an organization in over 57 Miami-Dade Public Schools (Middle and High Schools) and 12 Broward County Public schools. Its mission is to support the development of healthy, productive, drug-free youth. They accomplish that by providing drug information, as well as opportunities to learn leadership skills through community service activities and educational (but fun!) field trips. Staff Writer
COSAC'S CHURCH Come to the Church that is a Church of Service and Charity Learn of Jesus and learn how to put Gods' words into action.
Sunday 2pm to 2:45pm 1203 N. Federal Highway Hollywood Florida 33020 954-924-3571 x316
•
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• Free Weddings Free Memorial Services Alternatives to Abortion • Healing Services
Photos by KOMO Staff
one gives up." Brenden Foster never gave up. Even as he clung to his last hours of life, Brenden kept giving. "Follow your dreams. Don't let anything stop you," he said. -KOMO NEWS
Editors Note: Brenden has passed into heaven and we pray that he is watching over us and continues to inspire people around the world. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Fosters and the community that has lost their little hero. They have now gained an angel.
The Voice of the Homeless
Page 6
HOMELESS VOICE Happy Holidays (Continued from page 4)
The Story of Kwanzaa
K
wanzaa is a unique African American celebration with focus on the traditional African values of family, community responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement. Kwanzaa is neither political nor religious and despite some misconceptions, is not a substitute for Christmas. It is simply a time of reaffirming African-American people, their ancestors and culture. Kwanzaa, which means "first fruits of the harvest" in the African language Kiswahili, has gained tremendous acceptance. Since its founding in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa has Traditional Kwanzaa Kinara (candle holder) and Mazao (crops) come to be observed by more than 18 million people worldwide, as reported by the New York Times. When establishing Kwanzaa in 1966, Dr. Karenga included an additional "a" to the end of the spelling to reflect the difference between the African American celebration (kwanzaa) and the Motherland spelling (kwanza). Kwanzaa is based on the Nguzo Saba (seven guiding principles), one for each day of the observance, and is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st. Umoja (oo-MO-jah) Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying, "I am We," or "I am because We are." Kujichagulia (koo-gee-cha-goo-LEE-yah) Self-Determination requires that we define our common interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of our family and community. Ujima (oo-GEE-mah) Collective Work and Responsibility reminds us of our
obligation to the past, present and future, and that we have a role to play in the community, society, and world. Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah) Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support. Nia (NEE-yah) Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community. Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community. Imani (ee-MAH-nee) Faith focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle. CELEBRATING KWANZAA The following items are used for the feast of Kwanzaa: A Kinara (candle holder); Mkeka (placemat preferably made of straw); Mazao (crops, i.e., fruits and vegetables); Vibunzi/Muhindi (ears of corn to reflect the number of children in the household); Kikombe cha umoja (communal unity cup); Mishumaa saba (seven candles, one black, three red, and three green); and Zawadi (gifts that are enriching). -homelessnewswire
Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Chanukah, and Merry Christmas to all from the staff of the Homeless Voice!
Hospital Window
T
wo men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation. Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the other bed
it. In his mind's eye as the gentleman began to live for those one hour periby the window portrayed it with deods where his world would be broadscriptive words. ened and enlivened by all the activDays and weeks passed. ity and color of the world outside. One morning, the day nurse The window overlooked a arrived to bring water for their baths park with a lovely lake. Ducks and only to find the lifeless body of the swans played on the water while man by the window, children sailed their who had died peacemodel boats. Young "Today is a gift, fully in his sleep. She lovers walked arm in that's why it is called was saddened and arm amidst flowers of the present." called the hospital every color and a fine attendants to take the view of the city skybody away. line could be seen in the distance. As soon as it seemed approAs the man by the window priate, the other man asked if he described all this in exquisite detail, could be moved next to the window. the man on the other side of the The nurse was happy to make the room would close his eyes and imagswitch, and after making sure he was ine the picturesque scene. comfortable, she left him alone.. One warm afternoon the Slowly, painfully, he man by the window described a papropped himself up on one elbow to rade passing by. take his first look at the real world Although the other man outside. He strained to slowly turn to couldn't hear the band - he could see
look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you." Epilogue: There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy. "Today is a gift, that's why it is called the present." -homelessnewswire
ADVANTAGE COMMUNICATIONS, INC. • • •
ACI supports the Homeless Voice and the Cosac Foundation in raising awareness and providing solutions to homelessness in our neighborhoods. ACI knows that lending aid to human beings in need is good for our souls, our communities and is simply the right thing to do. ACI would like to thank all people who are actively engaged in helping humanity here on the blue planet. God bless the Cosac Foundation Commercial, Industrial, & Government 2-way Radio www.advantage-com.com
Mark Lavallee, President 954-961-2642
Excellence in Radio
Page 7
Volume X, Issue 11
HOMELESS VOICE This Holiday Season, A New Quest!
T
he total we want to raise for this Christmas Campaign is quite a bit of money but it is essential at this time. It is very reachable and we will make it. Before I give you the final amount we have to raise I want to talk about many of you opening up your own charity. Remember it does not always take money to open up your own agency. Many things can be done with no money at all or with less than a few hundred dollars for state fees. This is a great gift you can give the world or maybe the gift is just for one person only. Let’s look at one of the cheapest agencies you can open that will put a thousand smiles on the faces of the old or the terminally ill. I believe so much that it is vitally important for you to start your own agency to help make the world a better place. Whether it be a teen at risk program, an adopt a nursing home program or even a program that gets food from restaurants that are left over and then bring it to your local homeless settlers. It all does the world a bit of good. And when we involve our children it helps give them bonds and ties to the community which helps develop them into great caring adults. The present is this, we will be offering meetings once a month for a questions and answer period on how to start your own agency. This will go on for a whole year. All you have to do is send in your plans to this email address, helptheworld@homelessvoice,org and we will send you an email to the meeting dates and times. In some cases we may even try to donate some money if we can afford it or help you get the state fees paid so you are a real not for profit charity. You may ask again how can we do this when we are asking for donations ourselves, it is simple. We have been blessed and we must give back in either time or funds if we can. You do know if all the not for profits in the world did this and helped others out, the world would simply be better… We at the Homeless Voice have always done things that other not for profit would not do
Clothes donations are on hold for now. We are only accepting underwear, socks and shoes. We don't want to take your donations unnecessarily. Thank you for your support!
-HV staff
and I think this is why we are blessed. For our Christmas Campaign we only need to raise $827,000.00 and you know what? We can! Many of you buy our paper each and every month. If all of you sent in just an extra $25.00 in the month of November and December we will meet our goals. This is not unreachable but we need you to all reach out and tell your friends and relatives. At the work place you all can give checks to us instead of exchanging presents, this works real well. Last year an Insurance Agency reached out and all their 85 employees instead of giving gifts to each other sent in 85 checks which totaled $1700.00 then some of them also reached out with their family and friends and raised another $3200.00. This was a very simple plan and it worked. It does not matter the amount of the donation all it matters is that you gave from the heart. Even if it is one dollar and that is all a person can afford and they send it in that dollar becomes such a great donation because it’s straight from the heart. So from me to you, this year have a safe holiday season and yes it will be the great start for the new year as well. Also, let’s all pray every day for a cure for Cancer and food for the poor. Each and every day please say a prayer and ask for a cure for all Cancer. Remember to send your checks to: Cosac Homeless Assistance Center, Inc P.O. Box 292-577 Davie, Florida 33329 Part of this campaign also includes paying off the homes we bought to house our families and elderly that come through the shelter. To pay off these two homes completely, we need the following: 254,747 people to save $1.00 worth of change and send it in to our address below. A good way to do this is to go right now to your couch and look under the pillows and see what you can find. Then hit your next door neighbor up and see what he finds as well.
HELP PAY OFF OUR SHELTER We need just 12,738 people to send in a check for $20.00, Or 5,095 people to send in a check for $50.00, Or 2,548 people to send in a check for $100.00, Or 255 people to send in a check for $1,000, Or Just one wonderful person or business to send a check for the entire $254,748; We will name the shelter after you or whomever you choose Remember the donation is tax deductible!! Please send your checks to:
The COSAC Building Fund P.O. Box 292-577 Davie, Florida 33329 We do thank you
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You can set up payroll deduction through your employer to support the COSAC Foundation s Homeless Voice • •
Your company might even match your donation See your human resource or department manager
We need 50,949 people to send in their check for $5.00 to the address below. How can you get others to send in their check for $5.00 as well? Well at work this year instead of exchanging presents ask each worker to make a check payable to The Cosac Homeless Assistance Center and send them in to our address. Together we will pay off these balances. Or, maybe 25,474 people can send in their $10.00 checks. So what can you do to get these 25,474 people to send in their $10.00 checks? We can ask every one we know to help! Another way is for 2,547 people to send in $100.00. Maybe you can do a car wash or a garage sale at your home. The best way to get these balances paid off is to go to your church and ask them to do a one time collection for Christmas or even a penny drive. If there were 254 churches who each raised $1,000 we would make our goal. There is just one catch..... if your church members and pastor are going to invest in us than we want them here to see where the money goes. We want you to meet the homeless and the formally homeless individuals who are now working for our shelter
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system as case workers, security, kitchen staff and housekeeping. The public has invested in our agency for over 12 years. All our buildings were paid for by you the people who donated to us and who continue to buy our paper. We want you to see what you own. This is your place as well as our place. We just don't give you stock, but you provide to us and stock our shelves with lots and lots of food. Did you know that not only do you put a roof over a homeless persons head but you feed many hungry families who live on their own because they come to our food pantry and get food a few times a month at the Pete Clifford's Food Pantry? You can also call our office at any time and we can run your credit card for any amount you wish. This new thermometer is to show our progress in paying off these homes. -Sean Cononie
Call for AD Space 954-920-1277