Annual Report 1999 - 2000

Community Outreach

"Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community" (Anthony J.D'Angelo)

Over the last 6 years Wi'am has committed itself to be a gift giver. This year had been one filled with smiles on the faces of children. Near the end of November 1999, Wi'am began the campaign of raising funds. Generous donations were received from many loving hearts around the world. A few days before Christmas, staff members and volunteers went out to purchase gifts from different stores. After Christmas and into the New Year, staff and volunteers went to homes and distributed the gifts directly with Santa to needy families. Children jumped with joy as Santa came to visit them. Smiles glowed from ear to ear; not only on the children's faces, but on their parent's faces as well. As visitations sojourned from house to house, parents also joined in the celebrations of giving.

Over 1,000 children were visited in the Bethlehem area during this celebration. Many volunteers gave of their time to purchase gifts, organize, and distribute them with the use of their own cars. Children of volunteers also rejoiced in the spirit of giving to other children.

Along with the gifts given to children, Wi'am made some special visits to families. Families needing blankets or extra funds to cover rent and heat were received with warm hearts by staff and volunteers.

While resolving interpersonal conflicts, personal social issues become apparent. Wi'am, when possible, tried to address these needs. Sometimes it only involved sitting down and listening, while other times it took getting involved with the family. The social cases varied in nature, but all revolved around basic needs. Wi'am distributed a small amount of funds to individuals and families who had certain needs. The money went to pay bills, rent, food, school fees- or anything else that was needed. This little amount of money may have just been the amount to prevent a huge conflict from forming and help families whom otherwise may not have been able to survive.