Fort Hood 2010 Celebration of Love Testimonials

"Thank you for having this type of organization. It really shows soldier's and their families that we are appreciated. My husband also wanted to say thank you. He couldn't believe how everything worked out. He said it makes him smile to know that his family is getting taken care of when he can't be here"

"Both of my daughters & myself attended the Ft. Hood celebration for the 3rd year in a row last Saturday. Wow, I am amazed every time. Not just by the blessing of giving to those in need, but at how many people give up their time to help out. My 14 yr old actually asked if we were going to do this again this year. She said it is how she wants to "kick-off" her holiday season.
While I have no idea how much work you do "behind the scenes" to make this a success, I can tell that you have a gift & you clearly use it to benefit others. Thank you for ALL you do. Hope your life is blessed beyond measures for the work you do. I know God is smiling at what He has created in you..."

                                                                                                         

"Hello, Mike. Let me tell you that my friend Isabel went to pick up my kid's toys and our food and everything was wonderful.
Thank You so much for the toys they will love it , thank you for the food now I am thinking what is the best way to cook the turkey and I recived a boucher to pick up a christmas tree I just pick up it yesterday and it is BEAUTIFUL. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR EVERYTHING. God bless you and all the people make this possible. HAPPY HOLIDAYS"

"God moves through ways that even we cannot imagine because of faithless. You men are used by God because you put Him and his commandments first. Know He is saying to you “Well done my faithful servants.” When He commands us to love others He is taking about showing it in demonstrable ways, not just sitting around thinking happy thoughts about others. You have now taught thousands to go beyond good thoughts to living out loving other. Well Done!

"It was a privilege and honor to serve. The Best Yet! Loved the toy system and the recipient line, every year better organization. American ingenuity at it's best!! Thank you for allowing me to participate."

"I was overwhelmed with the outpouring of support and love that was displayed during this spectacular event. At the dinner table Saturday night, I came home and told my husband and children what I had been doing all day. My 6 year old son really thought hard about it and walked away from the dinner table. I wasn’t sure what he was thinking. When he came back, he asked if he “could donate some of his toys to the kids who might not have any.” I pretty much lost it right there. He asked me if the soldiers were going war and if they were coming back. I told him that a few of the people I talked to were about to be deployed, but that we would be praying for them to have a safe return. I told him that a soldier Tim and another named Oscar really touched my heart and needed a lot of prayer. One of them had a wife who was very ill returning from war and the other was about to go to Iraq. He then proceeded to remind me that they shouldn’t be scared because God is always with them no matter if they can see him or not, and that they shouldn’t be sad because God lives it their heart…Really, a 6 year old?!?!?!? At least now I know he is listening!
My point in all this is that the event not only touched the lives of those there that day, but that it evoked conversation and prayer with my own little family. If it gave perspective to a 6 year old who didn’t even attend, then I wonder how much perspective it gave for those who were there that day. Mike, you did an AMAZING job with this event. What a beautiful display of love and kindness. I look forward to serving these soldiers and their families again next year. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"You are making an impact beyond what you understand. Thank you to everyone that volunteered."

"I wanted to thank you for taking my daughter to Fort Hood on Saturday. She came home wanting to save the world! It really inspired her and she is now wanting to volunteer in the community. She even drew up a letter for RRHS to give to the principal for a blanket drive for the homeless. I just wanted you to know what an impact it had on her and she realized there is such a need for volunteering. One little girl really touched her heart. I guess she was looking at a stuffed princess bear and was told by the mother to put it down and the little girl did. No fit or objection, Ashlynn asked the little girl if she wanted the bear and the little girl said yes, so Ashlynn told her she could have it, because the toys were for the children. The little girl and the mother thanked Ashlynn and the little girl was so grateful. Ashlynn said she walked off hugging that bear and grinning from ear to ear. She said she almost cried, because of how sweet and grateful the little girl was. She said all the families were so nice and it really impressed her. Thank you a million times! I really appreciate you taking her. I think this made her more aware of the needs of others. Have a great day!!"