As 2013 draws to a close, it is important to take a step back and reflect on the things that mean the most to us this time of year – family, friends and community.
With this Christmas season upon us, I want to say a big thank you to our brave servicemen and women currently serving abroad. As a veteran and military spouse, I know firsthand how difficult it can be for loved ones to be away from home at Christmastime. The holidays represent a sacrifice not only for our heroes, but also for the military families left behind.
Every one of our heroes in uniform deserves our heartfelt thanks this holiday season for keeping us safe and defending our freedoms. I hope you will keep these brave warriors and their families back at home in your thoughts and prayers this holiday season.
Christmas is also a time of giving. As we are going from party to party, it’s easy to lose sight of the real meaning of the season – helping our fellow citizens in need. I hope you will join me in giving back and helping those who may be experiencing tough times this year.
I have already been encouraged by the spirit of giving I have seen throughout the 67th Assembly District this season.
On Thanksgiving morning, I was pleased to join the awesome volunteers at the Menifee Sun City Concern Meal Project to help distribute turkey dinners to seniors. The care and joy these volunteers displayed was second to none. While Thanksgiving is usually about sharing food with friends and family, it was a blessing to see strangers come together to provide for the needy in our community.
I was also inspired to see so many in our community bring non-perishable food items and grocery store gift cards for the needy at a recent open house I held. The generosity and outpouring of support from the community to provide for the less fortunate this holiday season has been incredible. All of the food and gift cards we received will be donated to local food pantries.
Small acts like these go a long way for those who may be struggling during the holiday season. If you have not done so already, I encourage you to donate whatever you can, time or money, to a worthy cause for the holidays.
From my family to yours, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
