Help with Food
As the weather starts to cool down and the leaves begin turning reds and yellows, our thoughts
turn to the holidays. Some leaves and holiday thoughts are beautiful, full of color and movement.
Some leaves and holiday thoughts are dull, cracked, and still clinging to things that should be let
go of. I pray your thoughts about the coming holiday season are beautiful and full of anticipation
and longing. If they aren't, I pray you receive healing and make it a new and joyful season like no
other.
Children of war deserve a real Christmas!
Where does the Christmas spirit go during devastating wars? How does a child on the run
experience the miracle of Christmas? We found a way 30 years ago when Star of Hope's
Christmas packages spread joy among the victims of the Bosnian war. Now we see history
repeating itself. Ukraine’s children are heading towards their first Christmas in the shadow of war
- and we want to give them the joy back. Star of Hope’s tradition of handing out Christmas
packages kicked off with our co-founder Lennart Eriksson traveling through war-torn Bosnia.
Among other things, Lennart filmed how a family with many children opened a package together.
- That joy... it was like experiencing the scene from A Christmas Story when the dad unboxes
his new leg lamp, but here, the whole family was rejoicing!
The enthusiasm of our donors was contagious. Before the end of that year, we had sent down 70
trucks! Three decades later, the Christmas packages spread joy in Europe, Africa, South
America, and Southeast Asia. Thanks to all of you who donated money for Christmas packages, it
has become possible.
We pack packages on-site in each country and distribute them to expectant children. We intend to
make these children happy again – but we’re not stopping there. This year we also want to
comfort the children of the war in Ukraine. We have learned that every Christmas package carries
a message for the family that receives it: “The world has not forgotten you! We see you, we care,
and we will not abandon you.”
Give a Merry Christmas in a difficult time! Our children need food, playtime, and joy in their lives.
All this fits in a Christmas package from you!
Fifty dollars is enough for a package of essential goods such as flour, rice, and canned food.
Sixty dollars is enough for a package with a little extra Christmas joy: Food, hygiene items,
something good to eat, and a Christmas present.
Our Christmas catalogs are going out this month so keep an eye out for them in the mail.
Don't forget, you can always go to our online Christmas shop at www.starofhope.us/shop.
Warm greetings & Rich Blessings,
Mark Presson
Star of Hope CEO
