The Link: Update on Youth Ranch 10th Anniversary

You may have heard that our Madison Youth Ranch is turning 10 and we were planning a big celebration event on October 12th. However, as a result of Hurricane Helene passing through the Florida panhandle and causing considerable damage, we believe it is best to postpone the celebration until a later date, allowing everyone time to clean up and recover. The Youth Ranch sustained only minor damage in the form of downed trees and other debris, and minimal damage to structures. Our prayers go out to all those who were impacted by the storm. We will follow up with you once a new date has been confirmed.

We could not be more proud of Michelle Tisdale, who has been recognized by the Daytona Beach News-Journal as one of Volusia-Flagler's most influential Women in Business. Michelle was one of our youths during her teenage years, before going on to college and a successful career. She later returned to Residing Hope to serve as an active member of our Board of Trustees. Congratulations, Michelle! We are so proud of you!

A Big thanks to the Port Charlotte Global Methodist Church for their generous donation of pillows, sheets, comforters, hampers, and other items for use in our cottages. Your support means so much to us!

Many thanks to Cornerstone Church in Deltona for their volunteer work one Saturday in September! They supplied us with plants and mulch, cleaned up, trimmed trees, replanted, and mulched one of our outdoor areas. In addition, they brought food to make brunch and spent time with the youth in three of our cottages. We are truly grateful for the time and effort they put into making a difference here at Residing Hope! Thank you!

Believe it or not, Christmas will soon be here so we are starting our annual Christmas Gift Card Drive. We invite you to participate with us in this endeavor to demonstrate unconditional love to our children by purchasing gift cards to be given throughout our Residing Hope ministry.

Our staff will utilize a portion of the gift cards to purchase personalized gifts for our children. The gifts will be wrapped and placed under the Christmas tree to be opened on Christmas morning. They will also receive some gift cards on Christmas morning, which will allow them to go shopping. Any additional gift cards will be used after Christmas to purchase needed items for the children throughout the year.

We are collecting gift cards in increments of $20-$100 (prefer larger increments wher possible) to major chain stores and restaurants. Our most requested cards are Visa, Ross, TJ Maxx, Wal-Mart, JC Penney, Burlington Department Store, and Epic Theater.
Popular restaurants include Darden Brands, Papa John's Pizza, Applebee's, McDonald's, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Dairy Queen, and Chili's.

In order to prepare our campus for Christmas, we ask that your gift cards arrive before December 5th. Of course, we are happy to receive them after that date. Here are some

Helpful Hints:

• We also ask that the gift card denomination be written on the gift card.
  
• Please include a receipt with each gift card which helps with processing.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact our development office at 386.668.5088. Again, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your extravagant generosity, love, care, and prayers for our children!

If you'd like to give to Residing Hope, please choose UM FL Children's Home from the Fund List.