The Home School Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation.
Christian Service Charities #10535
News: Christmas 2008
Rejoicing in God's Goodness
Not even two years after her husband passed away from cancer, Mary faced another devastating loss: the death of her father. Worried over bills and still reeling from the loss of another loved one, Mary was surprised to find a Christmas card from the Home School Foundation in her mailbox.
“When I came back, your card and check were here,” Mary wrote. “I had been fretting so much over bills and how I was going to afford Christmas. I was so encouraged by your card, words, and gift.”
Each year the Home School Foundation sends Christmas cards and checks to the widows and single parents that we have helped that past year. The card’s beautiful design comes from the winners of the Foundation’s Christmas card contest and each card includes a handwritten note by the staff of the Foundation and HSDLA.
“Just when we think no one cares for us…we receive a card or some sort of encouragement to let us know we are not in this alone,” wrote Debra. “For the first time in an extremely long while my children have clothes that were not previously worn.”
The holidays are a particularly difficult time for families bereft of a loved one. The memories are stronger, the sadness greater, and the money tighter. The Christmas checks sent out by the Foundation help families afford to pay the bills, see family, or even just have a small Christmas tree.
“Without your gift, there would have been no Christmas in our home,” wrote Kathleen.
Watching her children grow up longing for their father is heartbreaking for Teresa, yet she continues to point them to Jesus.
“Last night my youngest sat with me, crying. He was only five months old when his father died. &ldsquo;Mommy, I never knew Daddy…I really want a dad,’ he said, big tears rolling down his cheeks. So once more I gently remind him of how Dad was quiet, strong…and that he loves him like his heavenly Father loves him,” Teresa wrote.
“Holiday time is the hardest on families that have a missing parent. The memories return, and with it, the loss,” Teresa said. “Each year I try to be strong, creative, and joyous. The Home School Foundation has given me peace, hope, and love.”
For Kristi and her children, the Christmas check came at just the right time. Practically homeless after their hundred year old farmhouse was discovered to have mold that made them ill, the family was quickly blessed with a new place to live. However, all of their furniture had to be left at the farmhouse.
“We again felt blessed by the Lord however with an additional move (our seventh in just a few years) and now to an unfurnished house,” Kristi wrote. “I knew we needed at least a kitchen table, although we did have beds.”
“The day of the move, I went to our PO Box and there was your card with a totally unexpected gift enclosed! That gift not only helped us purchase a table for our family but also cover the extra costs of an unexpected move,” Kristi said.
This Christmas, you can too help struggling homeschoolers through the Home School Foundation. Family Favorites from the Homeschool Kitchen, the Home School Foundation's cookbook, can be purchased here as a surprise gift for a widow or a single parent, sign up for the Foundation Report, and, as always, one can donate to our funds.
If you have been blessed by the Home School Foundation, you can tell us about it by leaving a voicemail at (540) 338-8288.
"My five children and I thank the Lord for you and all those who contribute to this wonderful foundation. As God blesses us, one day we plan to be on the other side, donating and assisting other families through the Foundation!" Kristi said.
