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| Tia McDonald teaches sisters science in a book she gave to them at Burger King in Daytona Beach. |
I have recently made a sad and surprising discovery and that the amount of homeless and needy people in Volusia County. Did you know that its estimated that there are more than 1,000 children, and over 3,000 adults homeless just in our little county of Volusia?
When there are so many people with no place to go, where do you go? How can you raise a family on the side of the road, or behind a business? I have a huge heart for the homeless. I feel very badly for them and will do anything I can just to lend a helping hand.
Recently I found out that The STAR Center feels the same way. The STAR Center provides a bed to about 94 people and feeds mre than 300 people per day. They also provide showers and clothes. They even help to find these people jobs and offer them a bike to get to work. I have been longing to find such a miraculous place and very pleased that there is hope for those in need now because of STAR Center. How do they do it? Mainly off of donations.
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Tia and the girls enjoy her gifts to them. |
I had to find this place to donate and take a tour when suddenly I saw a family that I just fell in love with (Mom, Dad, & 2 little girls ). I thought if I could just buy a few things (that we take for granted) but are a huge necessity to them, just to make life a bit easier -- I would go for it! And so my mother and I bought a bunch of gifts for these two little girls. The girls were so excited and loved everything we got them, but I felt more joy knowing I made a small difference in someone’s life!
Now you may say, homeless people choose to be homeless -- well, that's not always true. Many are veterans (23 %), who have fought in our wars and lost limbs; or they are older teens thrown out of their houses, people trying to work at a fast food place and are not fortunate enough to provide for the expensive life we live today.
If you ever have time, & would like to learn more about the STAR Center go to
http://www.homelessindaytona.org/index.htm
(website) or visit Homeless Assistance Corp., 340 North St., Daytona Beach, FL 321127.