WOW! 2007 is already behind us! RLF is busy gearing up for the months ahead. RLF closed for a short break and plans on re-opening on January 12, 2008 ready to go! While we are concerned about the decrease in donations, we trust that God will provide. After all, it is by the grace of God that RLF has distributed over 15,098 bags of groceries to the less fortunate in Shasta County with over 6,000 of those being children. That does not include over 975 bibles, sleeping bags, hygiene products, diapers, pet food, children’s school supplies and toys that were distributed. RLF is 100% volunteer and 100% donation driven and we wouldn’t have it any other way!

RLF definitely noticed a large increase of our neighbors in need over the past several months. It is no wonder with the increase in fuel, food and the recent fall of the housing market which has displaced even more families with all the foreclosures. Almost everyone has felt the pinch in the last six months. We continue to see an increase in single mothers with children in extreme poverty, often on the verge of homelessness. Volunteer positions in client computer intake as well as food donation facilitators are much needed.

Last month we were very excited to receive a donation of Christmas trees! Our only wish is that more of you could have shared in the delight! The children and the parents who assumed that they would not have enough money for a Christmas tree were wide eyed with disbelief that they would receive such a gift! The Dollar Tree generously donated a ton of toys that we shared with Living Hope, N.V.C.S.S., and People of Progress. The children that received these gifts were glowing with joy and excitement. T.O.P.S. donated hand stitched goody bags loaded with schools supplies and toys. Mrs. Paula Parks and her students at Trinity Lutheran graciously donated brief cases full of school supplies. We can’t even begin to count the lovely folks that left with tears of gratitude streaming down their cheeks.

We are so thankful for our supporters like the Church of Redeemed, Chamber of Commerce, KRCR TV. Trinity Lutheran, Family Television Channel 26 , Little Country Church, St. James, Seventh Day Adventist, Lithia Motors, Living Hope, Saint Timothy, Neighborhood Church, T.O.P.S., River City Church, First Presbyterian, Palo Cedro Church of Christ, Vineyard Church, A.C.C.A., Corrective Care Chiropractic, Wonderland Signs, V.E.S.T.R.A.,Tony’s Refrigeration, CH2M Hill, The Dollar Tree, Daughters of The British Empire, and our newest supporter Destiny Fellowship, just to name a few. Not to mention all the private donors! And a special thank you to Billy and Patrick of Q97 F.M Today's Country.

The list goes on and on and we are so richly blessed to have each and everyone of you in our lives. Please trust that RLF optimizes your donations and gifts which is stretched even further since we are 100% Volunteer, i.e.. No salaries to meet prior to helping those in need! Is your Church participating in this worthwhile Christian endeavor? We encourage readers to "plant a seed" at their home Churches, and watch the blessings grow!

Again, we personally invite you to become or continue to be a part of Redding Loaves and Fishes in any way that you can. All parts are equally important, prayers, donations, volunteering, planning, food drives, we appreciate your involvement! Please keep an eye out for our upcoming food drives!

Redding Loaves and Fishes Pantry Needs

Redding Loaves and Fishes is in the process of preparing for long, cold winter. We are hoping to collect the following items to stock our pantry in anticipation of the continuing needs of the less fortunate:

New Sleeping Bags

Bibles/New or Gently Used– We have quite a few adults looking for large print.

Perishable and Nonperishable food items

Can openers

Gift Cards

Hygiene products (soaps, feminine products, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.

Medical supplies-cold medicine (children and adult) Tylenol, Cough Drops

Neosporin, first aid kits, etc.

Gas cards

Bus passes

Dog and Cat Food

Children’s list

The children that come to visit us do not take anything for granted. They love anything we give them but their eyes really light up when we hand

them a new stuffed animal, stickers, candy, color crayons, pens, pencils, hair ties, brushes, you know, anything your own children/grandchildren enjoy.

We also need children and teen bibles.

Diapers, baby wipes, baby food, etc is all very much appreciated.

We love it when our donors use their imagination and surprise us! We encourage you to have fun with your ideas! No donation is too great, too small or even too unusual.

God Bless you in Jesus name!