October Newsletter, 2014  Rick McPherson

I know that it’s October but I can’t get this tune out of my head.  You can sing it, hum it or whistle it if you like, but there’s no doubt, it’s a classic.  Written in 1951 by Meredith Wilson while staying at the Yarmouth, Grand Hotel in Nova Scotia it was recorded by Perry Como and The Fontane Sisters with the Mitchell Ayres Orchestra.  Even Bing Crosby got in on the act and he too, made it famous. 

But here at Pacific NW Outreach, our holiday season starts early.  In order to get our Christmas loads of groceries, boots, jackets, gifts and toys to the Reservations, we have to start now.   In fact, I’ve been talking about it on our radio broadcasts for the past month.   It’s not too early to get started. 

This year we’ve been selected (again) as one of the charitable, non-profits to receive toys from the KPTV 12 – LES SCHWAB toy drive.  We are very thankful for the help and the honor of being chosen.  However, we are planning to serve four Reservations, including; Quinault, Yakama, (White Swan & Celilo Falls) and the Nez Perce.  We will distribute a lot of toys, gifts and groceries to these locations and that’s where you come in.

You can help us.  You can make this Christmas memorable, not only for yourself, but also for Native Americans who will be blessed by your gift.  The toy may be an action hero or pretty doll.  The gift may be a knit hat or insulated gloves.  The box may be filled with groceries or personal hygiene supplies.  The container may hold a foam pillow or warm blanket.  Whatever it is…it will be valued. 

We’re reaching out to all of our friends now and asking for your special financial gift to make this Christmas wonderful for our Native American brothers and sisters.  Every child and family that we bless this Christmas will know that there is a God in Heaven, Who loves them, accepts them and forgives them.  What a message.  And, you can be a part of this ministry. 

Will you take a moment and ask the Lord what you can do?   Your gift of $10.00 to $100.00 will make a big difference.   It takes money to buy diesel fuel for the trucks, do maintenance to keep the big rigs running, buy insurance and pay the bill to go down the road and reach the remote Reservations.  But the result of making the delivery and seeing the joy that comes from groceries, household supplies, warm hats and jackets, boots and blankets is priceless.  Will you join us and help with this ministry?

Some of you may want to do a special project with your family, or church, or small group and collect toys and gifts and coordinate with us for delivery to the Reservation.  That would be great.  We’d love to have your help in this way.  Others may want to do some extra shopping and buy a sweatshirt or jacket or socks and drop them to our store and have us deliver them.  That’s a great idea, too.

However the Lord leads you, please be attentive and get involved.  None of us can do everything, but all of us can do something.  Together with our love and gifts we can make a difference in the lives of Native Americans who need our help, particularly at Christmas.   And while you’re making your plans, maybe you could pull up this classic Christmas song on Pandora or Sirius radio and sing along… or, just whistle! 

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