November 1,2008 Many children at the mobile home center may not receive that All-American Thanksgiving feast the media always depicts… so this is were HUGS stepped in. On the first of November, we held a feast for the kids; something they might have not gotten otherwise. Staff was there at noon, setting up beautiful decorations: Fall colors everywhere, scarecrows, pumpkins, candy corn, leaves… once you walked into the room, you felt almost as if you were walking into Michael’s or JoAnn’s with all the decorations for Fall.

The first kids to arrive were none other than Bobby and Dillon… in the beginning though, we were all a little anxious due to the fact that we thought only a few kids could make it- but Praise the Lord, we were wrong. We had a good 30-something children come! We started off with some words from Roy Hernandez and then Caity, Alexia, Dillon, & Thomas spoke on thanks; everyone was touched.

After everything was said that had to be said, everyone grabbed a plate and ate wonderful ham or turkey, potatoes, and anything else you can think of served at a normal Thanksgiving meal; all of which was provided by wonderful volunteers who dedicated their Saturday to help out and provide a meal and their services. After a great lunch, all the kids went outside to play random games led by the staff; including some odd game the Arteaga girls showed us, Simon Says, and Musical Chairs. Everyone had a blast.

September 6, 2008 “… so it’s root! Root! Root! For the Dodgers!!!” On September 6, the Los Angeles Dodgers so graciously donated tickets to their Saturday, 12:55 AM game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. We were blessed and thanked God for such an amazing opportunity to take our kids on an outing. Many of them had never attended a baseball game before, so we were excited for them. Many of our kids were able to attend, along with staff members.

We all gathered together at the mobile home park at 9:00 am to organize the children and the carpooling. There was a look of pure excitement on each child’s face. It was so great to see them decked out in Dodger blue and jersey; Bobby even made a little poster saying “Let’s Go Dodgers!” After piling everyone in a car (the majority of the kids went in the van we had gotten through the church), we were off the LA. We reached the stadium at about 10:30 am, which was a little too early to be entering. So all the children in the van were taken out to dine at the original Tommy’s Burgers, while the other children headed into the stadium anyways. Lucky for the latter, for they had gotten complimentary hats and balls signed by a few Dodger members.

Once everyone was together, we all awaited to hear the famous “Let’s get ready for Dodger baseball!” Each child was so into the game, especially the boys. When #99, Manny Ramierez got up to bat, everyone was jumping and scream- both kids and staff alike. Many of the kids enjoyed the experience, especially since the Dodgers had killed the Diamondbacks.

June 23, 2008 was an exciting day for the kids. We gave the kids an extreme make-over and had a professional photographer take pictures of them. Some chose to be princess' for a day, professional guitar players, Elvis, they became anything they pretty much wanted to be. The girls got their hair, wardrobe and make-up done, while the boys got props and pretended to be movie stars.

We had an enthusiastic team at work and we felt blessed to be part of this event. The children had a blast and most important- God's kindness was at work. Last but not least, a special "Thank You!" to Bro. Aaron Marron and Sis. Dolores, without them this event would not have been possible. Thank you staff for all your time, dedication and great attitudes.

Check out "Star of the Day" video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0rNrXSkVhM

Monday August 4, 2008

Today was the big day! Bro. Aaron showed the kids the "Star of the Day" video. The kids were excited and anxious to see what they looked like. Pastor Sam Valverde attended the event and lifted up a prayer for the children. The prayer was then followed by snacks and towards the end of the day the kids were given toys and backpacks for back to school.

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Arts & Craft:

Kids singing & having a good time: