Ed and Barb Lavin
On Dec. 8, Caring Friends of New Life Center gathered at the ballroom in Eagle’s Nest to enjoy each other’s friendship and help the women and children at New Life Center. New Life Center is a shelter for abused women and children, located right here in Goodyear. We brought gifts for the residents, and Hope’s Closet (a thrift store owned by New Life Center) sent their truck to pick up all the gifts and take them to New Life. The moms get to select items for their children, and the children select gifts for their moms. They are then wrapped by volunteers, and Santa Claus delivers the gifts to the casitas where the families live, and the children wake up on Christmas morning to lots of beautiful gifts! One resident told me that this was the most wonderful Christmas that she and her children had ever had!
Devin DeFendis, Community Development director, and Susan Allen, volunteer coordinator, both gave short presentations about New Life Center. We all learned about all the good they do in our community! Muriel Long, a professional pianist who lives here in PebbleCreek, provided beautiful Christmas music. Those in attendance brought appetizers, and there was a cash bar to add to the fun.
Those interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities at New Life Center can contact Devin or Susan at 623-932-4404 or [email protected] (Susan) [email protected] (Devin). We have a group of volunteers here in PebbleCreek who take turns providing food to supplement the meals served at New Life. We also have a team of volunteers who renovate a casita a few times a year. There are never enough volunteers to do all that is needed. While enjoying our life here in beautiful PebbleCreek, we are blessed to have this opportunity to help these moms and children who are in need. It has truly added so much meaning to our lives!