The bread line is food gathered by the Church of the Nazarene from local merchants such as Albertson’s and Kentucky Fried Chicken and other local generous businesses. Canned foods and fresh produce donated by the San Diego Food Bank and Second Harvest Food Bank to the Coalition are also distributed with the bread and baked goods on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. In 2007, 7,582 families received food in this program.

The San Diego Food Bank continues to deliver a monthly food allotment which is given to families in the 92105 zip code on the first Friday of every month.. Food not distributed is given to our pantry. In 2007, the monthly San Diego Food Bank commodity distribution was given to 9,562 heads of households serving 23,557 individuals. Our pantry, open to everyone who comes to our doors without restriction, gave food to 2,371 persons. We are pleased that the outlook for 2008 is for more and better food choices.

A growing and solid partnership with the Church of the Nazarene in Mid-City has been a mutually beneficial relationship. The Church was able to purchase a refrigerated truck and has regularly picked up food from Second Harvest and San Diego Food Banks. Our food resources would not be as plentiful if it weren’t for their cooperation. We are also hopeful that a new program from Albertson’s stores will ensure a weekly donation of perishable items such as eggs, dairy products and refrigerated items.

Donations keep us operating. Mission Village Christian Fellowship has been a long-time friend to the Coalition. They have made cash donations and given emotional support in our efforts to assist people who need a helping hand. This past year, they have outdone their financial generosity and doubled their annual donations to $2,400! Support like this is greatly appreciated especially because operating expenses have increased.

Energy for Others gave a $3,000 donation to show their support for what we do for the community. That gift was enhanced by another $1,000 donation from Sempra Energy!

Two new members have been elected to the Board of Directors in 2008. James Feathers, a San Diego City employee, has worked hard for the Coalition for the last three years and hopes to further fundraising efforts along with Lita Oetken. Lita, who has been a financial corporate executive for 26 years, hopes to work with us in her desire to give back to the community.

Our web site has been updated and we hope to have frequent postings of current information. We are looking for volunteers experienced in grant writing to apply for funds to help us operate and expand our services. Please contact us if you are interested.

December is a busy month for the Coalition. Long-time friend and benefactor Steve Hanson gives his annual Christmas party with a request to his guests to give a donation to the Coalition. This year, a portion of the proceeds was given to Julie Darling. Julie owns Just Call Us Catering. In 2007, she served Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners to the homeless in San Diego’s winter shelter and the Metro Hotel which were run by Alpha Project. Residents at the hotel are homeless in hospice care and the mentally disabled. For her 50th birthday, Julie asked friends to give new sleeping bags and blankets instead of gifts which were given to the homeless at the Petco parking lot on Easter Sunday.

On December 15, just days after Hanson’s Christmas party, we hosted our annual Christmas party, “Holiday Magic for Kids “. Casas International Brokerage again provided one of their trucks to pick up toys from Toys for Tots. Their 24-foot truck was full and was most of the gifts we collected. The toys were delivered to the Quality Inn & Suites San Diego East, located at 1250 El Cajon Boulevard in El Cajon. Two beautiful, large suites were donated by Quality Inn for us to use for wrapping a full week before the party. Wrapping parties were ongoing day and night until Friday morning, December 14. The toys were picked up by the Casas truck and delivered to Golden Hall at the San Diego Community Concourse. Wrapping continued Friday night and Saturday until the party began. Hundreds of volunteers stepped up to the plate and got the job done for the kids. .

The children received several wrapped gifts and enjoyed a day of entertainment. Radio and Channel 6 television personality Joe Bauer was emcee. Reverend Carl Baker, Mission Village Christian Fellowship, gave the invocation. Todd Gloria, Congresswoman Susan Davis’ representative, presented a Proclamation to the Coalition in appreciation for our work in the community. Todd is a candidate for the District 5 City Council seat currently held by Toni Atkins. The Valhalla High School Chorus opened the program with “Here Comes Santa Claus” as Santa and Mrs. Claus entered the room. They continued with a wonderful selection of Christmas holiday music. Children from Dance Magic danced and strutted their stuff with adorable and creative choreography. San Diego Youth in Action mimes performed dramatic choreography to religious music,.and swing dancers swung. Mary Poppins was Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” and Samoan dancers added to the festivities. The Swamp Critters band added a Cajun flavor and everyone enjoyed the diversity of talents. Mission Village Band entertained in the lobby throughout the day

Clowns face-painted and did magic tricks, California Highway Patrol mascot Chipper gave out CHP badge stickers, SeaWorld sent their penguin, Clifford the Big Red Dog and the Pad Squad mingled with the crowd along with other costumed characters and personalities. Ronald McDonald couldn’t attend the party but sent hundreds of kid’s meal certificates that were given to the children. Miss San Diego 2008 and Miss San Diego Outstanding Teen 2008 also made a special appearance at the party. The families received a few food items to take home when they exited and it is our hope to do better at the next party. All in all, it was a day of fun and Christmas spirit at Golden Hall. “Holiday Magic for Kids 2008″ will take place at Golden Hall on December 20.