“My faith has been tested, but my belief in God’s power has never been a question. With God anything is possible. I know this because I am a child of God. I knew and adore Norma since I was 16 years old (it has been 20 years). I was one of those kids in line for toys and I recall talking to her in that old cramped office of her’s off of University at the Church. She gave me a reason to smile when she put me to work. I would go there during the holidays to get away from the dynamics in my life and she never felt sorry for me. She gave me hope to see past the stuff life puts before you. Norma sometimes used to make me feel like “what the heck am I tired for?” Today I take my daughter to shelters to volunteer every year we are at the Christmas for the homeless party. Norma is more than just the founder of Christmas for the Homeless to me. She was a mentor long before I knew what she was giving me. Her gifts are now mine to share with my daughter. God is good all the time, even when we don’t know it. I will be starting my Ph.D. program next year.”
—Talafulu Sagale

“Dear Coalition - When we got married on New Year’s Day, we asked our guests (all eight of them) to make donations to you in lieu of gifts. I don’t think anyone did that so I’m splitting the “proceeds” of various cash envelopes and gift cards that we received. I always remember that only God’s grace separates me and my husband from those you serve. Keep up the good work and say hello to Norma for us if you hear from her.”
—Bryna Black and Paul Hormide

“Sandy - A belated but heartfelt “thank you” for letting Mayor Sanders and I participate in the Christmas party last Saturday. It was truly an honor meeting you and seeing all the work you do. You are a blessing to the San Diego community! The hundreds and thousands of lives you touch each year and the happiness and hope you spread does not go unnoticed. Thank you for all you do for San Diegans who need a hand up.”
—Patricia Frosio

“Dear Sandy - I’d like to thank you for everything you’ve done. Thank you for providing us with an opportunity to better our lives. And most of all, thank you for your continued efforts to help and improve our future. Plant the seed for hope and the tree of dignity will grow.”
—Rodney Dwayne Featherman, Jr.

“I have worked in EDD for over 30 years and I am continually impressed with the generosity of my EDD family. I received a letter from the San Diego Coalition for the Homeless extending their appreciation to the SD Call Center Sunshine Club. This gift from the heart is so important and I wanted to take a moment and extend my appreciation to each of you along with the Coalition for the Homeless. Each of you gives every day to the unemployed workers of California. I recognize that this is your job but it also takes a special person to enter into government service, an individual who wants to give back to their community.”
—Deborah Bronow, Employment Development Department

“Dear Sandra - Enclosed please find a check for your wonderful organization. This donation is based on the sales we had from our last book fair in March. It’s not much but we hope it helps. We have two more book fairs scheduled this year, one I July and one at the beginning of December, and will continue to keep you as our named charity. Your hard work and dedication is appreciated by many and this is just a small token.”
—Melissa Chester, FM Realty Group

“Dear Norma Rossi - This letter is in recognition of all that you do to improve the quality of life of San Diego’s homeless population. The zeal with which you provide services to San Diego’s homeless population. The zeal with which you provide services to San Diegans is an inspiration to all of us. Your Bread of Life program is a great benefit to approximately 2100 homeless people every week. Much of the emergency lodging, clothing and food, as well as the referrals you provide, help hundreds of homeless San Diegans reach services that can aid them in difficult times. The annual Christmas holiday party for homeless children is a uniquely significant and heartwarming event. Each year attendance surpasses the last year’s as more children turn out to enjoy the holidays and the hospitality of your organization. I understand that just last year, over 5,500 homeless, disadvantaged and at-risk children enjoyed holiday festivities at your annual party. What a joy this must be for them, to know that they can celebrate the season every year because you care so much about them. I would like to thank you and your volunteers for your work to improve the quality of life of homeless San Diegans. Keep up the great work!”
—Toni Atkins, Councilmember, Third District, The City of San Diego

“Dear Sandy Maynes - First and foremost I’d like to thank you for attending Division 31’s Council Meeting many people were touched by your speech and are planning to help in any way shape or form. Many truly believe the San Diego Coalition for the Homeless is a very worthwhile organization to support as our divisional project. I would be honored to have you back again later on in the year where there will be more attendees. Thank you again for your visit; it was one we will never forget.”
—Carlos Diaz Livingston, Kiwanis International

“Commander’s Award - The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve is proud to recognize COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS CHRISTMAS PARTY for outstanding achievement in support of the 2004 Toys for Tots Program. These generous contributions have enabled us to help fulfill the Christmas dreams of our nation’s neediest children.”
—Dennis McCarthy, LtGen, USMCR, Commander, Marine Forces Reserve

“Certificate of Commendation - To San Diego Coalition for the Homeless: In honor of your contributions to the people of San Diego County. For the last twenty-six years the San Diego Coalition for the Homeless has aided and empowered thousands of individuals by providing vital services such as food, clothing, and shelter. Your contributions throughout the year and most notably during the holiday season are indeed invaluable, especially to the more than 5,000 children who receive gifts and the over 500 families who receive holiday meals. As a United States Senator representing the State of California, I commend and thank you for your gracious work and wish you continued success in the future.”
—Dianne Feinstein, United States Senator