2020 Summary

2020 was a challenging year for the world. As with everyone, MSF had to adapt to the “new normal” during the pandemic. We are proud that we were able to continue helping communities during the pandemic as well as squeeze in a new first for our back to school event. Thanks to everyone who made 2020 a successful year for MSF!

Back to School Events

MSF’s first official events for the year started with our Back to school events. Due to COVID 19, we modified our back to school events by shipping much needed supplies to Pine Manor Communities in Fort Myers, FL and to Lowery Elementary School in Donaldsonville, LA. MSF usually partners with Pine Manor Communities for our Christmas events, but couldn’t pass up the opportunity to donate school supplies as well.  In GA, MSF donated $200 towards school supplies to Barrow County Family Connections.

LOE’s AWESOME guidance counselor, Ashley Rogillio, holding some of the supplies

2020 PADV Thanksgiving Event

MSF was able to hold a modified version of its annual Thanksgiving event for Partners Against Domestic Violence (PADV). PADV’s pandemic guidelines prohibit gatherings at the shelter, but allows food and gift drop offs. The MSF team worked together to create 120 individually boxed dinners for the event! The menu included baked legs & thighs, vegetable medley (butternut squash, potatoes & sweet potatoes), sweet peas, cornbread muffins, assorted cookies and drinks.

Additionally, Kristin Rhodes, author of “Released”, provided 50 gift bags for the women that contained her book, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, chap stick, masks, deodorant, wash cloths, facial tissue, lotion and sanitary napkins as well as 2021 weekly planners and inspirational word puzzles from MSF.

2020 Holiday Giving

MSF sponsored 5 families located in GA, LA, FL and SC. Community members Crystal H., Lisa M. and Marian P. received Christmas packages totaling $75 each. The ladies were super excited about their gifts.

Family 1

Amber: Winter Coat, scrubs, Gift Card (spa day) & bath bombs
James: Jacket, pants & Game Stop gift card
Layla: Winter Coat, Cosplay (My Hero Acadamia) & Amazon gift card
Caleb: BMX bike, wolf blanket, hoodie, pants & Yugioh/Pokemon cards
Sunny: Winter coat, pants, cotton candy maker, sketch book & pencils and LOL dolls
Xavier: Bike, winter coat and nerf gun
Kylie: Bike, winter coat, baby doll w/accessories & mermaid light

Family 2

Latoya: Foot spa, Spa gift card, silver bracelet & earrings and Bath & Body Works
Dontrell: 49ers jacket, sneakers, clothes & football
Lataja: Earrings, $100 Rue 21 gift card & hair accessories
Lawrence: Saints jacket, basketball goal & PS4 remote controls
Lailah: Baby doll w/accessories and teddy bears
Helen: Saints pajamas, robe & bath & body works

Family 3

Alma: Jean jacket, sneakers, knee high boots, cooking mixer & hand bag
Jose: Air fryer, sneakers, shirts, cologne & watch
Moncerrate: Jean jacket, hoodie, makeup & perfume
Brissa: Bike w/lock & helmet, stable w/horses, sneakers & drawing/art materials
Victoria: Bike w/lock & helmet, sneakers, baby doll w/accessories, color pencils & craft set

Family 4

Amanda: Pants, shirts, makeup, nail polish & Note 8 phone case
Skylar: Pants, shirts & boots
Emily: Jacket, pants, shirts, wireless headphones & boots
Crystal: Pants, shirts, jacket, shoes & tools
Braeden: Toddler riding lawnmower, tractor books and hats

Family 5

Sharon: $100 gift card
Eric: $100 gift card
Favian: Sneakers, pants & winter coat
LA gift wrapping crew (l to r): Shannon, Margurite, Charlotte & Taniya
FL gift wrapping crew (l to r): Aimee, Zee & Shannon