The night before, make that the day before, I was nervous as ever. Not having any type of reporter training and not knowing at all what to expect, I fretted over every detail of our Digilu trip to Help the Children. I had complete confidence in Dana and his expert filming and people skills, but questioned myself on just about every level. In retrospect, had I never focused on myself and rather spent my time zeroed in on the people of Help the Children, my day yesterday and today would have been better spent. Perhaps the only way to share the story, is to be a part of the story, by getting your own hands dirty and picking up the boxes. This I did not do.
I hope our venture wasn't for not, though, and that in some kind of way, it will be enough just for the two of us to continue spreading the good news about Help the Children to people in our circle, but I feel the truth beating in my heart. There has to be more.
My nerves settled just as soon as we pulled up to the faded "1" warehouse on the right.
We arrived at HTC awaiting the shuffle of trucks and big rigs with scores of volunteers packing up food to hand out. There was a rush, but a calm, steady, hush of crowds coming together and doing what they seem to do day in and day out. These volunteers give so much, and though they might get the satisfaction of handing out the food, what about some type of recognition from the community? Even more, what about seeing new faces come to the warehouse pick-up dock? The cause is worthy and granted, it is far better to have the same group than no group, but how much more could Help the Children be getting, if only more people showed up, if more food was being delivered, and more ongoing monthly donations were being received?
The volunteers saw us arrive and with a video camera and pad of paper in hand, we looked the part and had no trouble finding volunteers to share their stories. We met many along the way. The volunteers paint the picture of L.A. and the mission behind the entire Help the Children organization. People want to help. People need help.
I think about what would have happened had I put my readied questions, pen, and concerned look, away and just jumped right in and started helping. Tonight, as I sit in the comfort of my air conditioned home, I question what good my presence was today. I set out to make a difference, to be some, "I'll save the day," kind of addition to Help the Children. Instead, I stood just another spectator peering down on the hungry.
Do the volunteers ever feel this sense of apprehension, or worse yet, does the president of Help the Children, Roger Presgrove, ever experience doubt and wonder why more people aren't offering assistance? Could it be, after all these years of service and countless shipments of food locally and abroad that Help the Children is watching the commitment of the community fade? I hope not.
I left knowing I had to write about what I witnessed, capture the events I saw unfold, and put into words the meaning behind Help the Children. This isn't the first time, either. For some time now, I've tried to write a compelling piece, tried to trigger some type of emotion and perhaps stir some action for Help the Children, but I don't know that I've ever succeeded. I haven't even heeded my own advice and signed up for the monthly donation plan, yet. How could I expect others to do the same? Well, I do now. Because I know the true heart, soul, and dedication that Roger Presgrove puts into helping children and their families all around the world. I have no problem asking people to follow suit and do their part. Help the Children deserves financial backing, volunteer support, and some credit for all that they continue to do.
Yes, I should have worried less about being a reporter and more about the devoted people behind Help the Children, more about the gracious volunteers, and all about the needy children and families of our community. It was a misstep, but hopefully one that I can overcome.
I neglected to properly thank the people I met today: Roger and Roxanna Presgrove, Mario Rivera, Marlena Lewis, Stephanie Stegall, Pastor Jorge Robles, Arthur, Marlo, Albino Pineda and his wife, Jose Rodriguez, Alex Sanchez, Lazero Fregoso, Jose Saballos, Mary Delgado, and Jacqueline Torres. My thanks not for the interviews and posing for pictures, but rather and much more importantly for the endless work, commitment, love and kindness you extend every day. From all of us at Digilu ... We thank you and ask everyone out there to please help.
Heartbreaking natural disasters over the past few months have shaken thousands of families here in the United States and in Japan.
Within days of the earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japanese cities, Help The Children mobilized its resources and sent multiple containers of food, clothing and personal hygiene items to help those affected by the awesome catastrophe.
Then, an unimaginable disaster struck in Joplin, Missouri and northern Alabama. In seconds, hundreds of lives were lost. Thousands of American citizens were displaced. Help The Children literally packed trailers full of supplies and quickly traveled to the disaster area to feed, clothe, treat and comfort all of those in need.
The disaster can now be measured in lives lost, the seriously injured and the long suffering. But as the days go by and the physical and emotional recovery begins, it will be with the support of people like you and Help The Children that will measure our compassion for others.
And right now, we need your help! These past calamities have emptied our warehouses. We are out of our non-perishable food supplies. Yes, our shelves are empty! We must re-stock now!
We know that more disasters are going to happen this summer and Help The Children must be prepared. Help us re-stock and get prepared.
Please consider a gift of support right now. Any gift will help. Can you make a gift of $20, $50 or $100 to help us replenish our food supply?
Would you make a gift to help us replenish our medicines and personal hygiene items? We are extremely low and we need your help today. Please go online here and give the biggest gift you can make.
In our compassionate efforts in this country alone, we have helped ease pain and suffering experienced by innocent men, woman and tens of thousands of children. We are committed to help! With your help, we will continue our mission to provide food, clothing, and personal hygiene items and over the counter medicines.
With your support of $20, $50 or $100 or more, we will re-stock the warehouses! We will get back on the road...trucks full and hopes high!
And as we ask for your generous financial support, please know that we want your heartfelt prayers to never cease. Please pray for the people of Japan! Pray for the people in Missouri and Alabama! Pray for America!
We believe that God is in control and our prayers will be heard!
Your prayers and financial support will give thousands of people the opportunity to rebuild their lives in a way that can bring the most comfort during these very difficult times.
Thank you in advance for anything you can do to help us prepare for the next disaster. May God bless you and may His face shine upon you.
For the children,
Roger Presgrove President
PS. Please don't forget about the hospital we are building in Guatemala. We are close to completion and when the doors open, children will have access for the first time to emergency care. If you are so blessed, please be a blessing to the children in this area who will forever thank you and Help The Children for reaching out to save and better their lives.
Thank you to all who have contributed to the tornado disaster relief fund. To date, we have now shipped more than 200,000 pounds of relief supplies to help the victims of the devastating tornadoes, which drastically changed the lives of several hundred children and their families.
It is very hard for most of us to imagine losing our home, and everything else we own, in a matter of a few seconds. Then having to start over by first searching for a place to live until you can get your life back together knowing nothing will ever be the same. Many survivors have nowhere to go, many still do not know if their loved ones are even alive!
But thanks to you, they are beginning a new chapter in their lives and with God's blessing we know that we will continue to help because of caring people like you.
Again on behalf of those who will benefit from your generosity, please accept our deepest appreciation.
The past several months have brought life-changing disaster to the countries of Haiti and Japan. Now, disaster has hit home. As a result of the recent tornados and floods, our neighbors in the Southern Region of the United States are suffering immeasurable destruction, loss, damage, and despair. They need our help. Together we can provide them hope.
Here's how you can help our neighbors in the Southern United States:
Help the Children is seeking your help in providing emergency assistance to the victims of this horrible disaster. We are accepting donations from churches, individuals, families, organizations, and corporations.
Currently, there is a tremendous need for food, water, and other daily survival items. Your donation will contribute to sending several hundred food boxes, each box containing approximately $30.00 worth of grocery items. In addition, several hundred bottles of water and over the counter medications will be sent to assist with disaster relief efforts.
Donate to U.S. Disaster Relief Fund found on the right side of this page. You may also feel free to contact us directly at (888)818-GIVE (4483), if we can be of further assistance.
Along with your much needed contributions, the most important help you can provide is prayer for the many people who no longer have a home, have lost everything they own, and not knowing where to turn for help.
Time is critical and you can help make a difference. Help save a life now. We'll continue our updates on our disaster relief efforts here in the United States and abroad. Thank you for your caring and support during this devastating time in the Southern United States of America.
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