This morning a first time visitor to Our Place came in because a friend had recommended that she come. This young mother has never had the opportunity to give her children gifts for Christmas, nor to receive them herself. She was over whelmed with the idea that we could give her food and clothing and hygiene products. Then I told her about the Christmas Room where she could choose gifts for her children, and tears came to her eyes. The gesture that put her into an over load of gratitude came last. As we finished the "paperwork," I handed her a bag of cosmetics, gifted to Our Place by Project Beauty Share, and she started to cry and then just kept hugging me. Every time I ran into her she hugged me. I wish I could pass the hugs on to you, generous people who made the "extra" gift possible, and a young mother feel like a beautiful woman!

Tracie Swanson
Our Place Community Ministries Development Director