After being on the job less than a month without Sr. Sandy’s guidance, I have to report that the warehouse is still standing. We had some close calls but I am fortunate, DMARC has some of the most precious volunteers I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Not only have they given extra time during this transition (I think a few of them could see I was over my head) but they have also been extremely patient with me. (If we had a camcorder handy, we could have easily sent my bloopers to America’s Funniest Videos).

The Feinstein Challenge begins again this year on March 1^st. It goes until April 30^th, 2008 and I’ll be sending out letters to all our young donors within the churches and schools. I am offering this challenge especially for our College, High School, Junior High, and Elementary students to see how much of the 1 Million Dollar Pie they can help the communities receive. Of course, all adults are welcome and encouraged to participate. Please watch for "Feinstein" mail from DMARC in February.

At the time I am writing this (Dec. 31^st for Feb. 1^st) our end of the year numbers aren’t in yet but being the New Kid on the Block, I must say that I am impressed. I know that donations are higher this part of the year due to the Season of Giving but that doesn’t diminish how AWESOME it has been to receive so many donations. If you have never been to our warehouse this may be harder to visualize but for the past few weeks our tables and benches have been full with donations. And by the time we get it all clear ("WE" meaning "Volunteers"); there is a new donation that immediately follows. Please, keep up the good work!

Now I do have to say that as I write this, donations are already slowing down. And I know this because of my fool proof scientific method. See, if I have time to sit in my chair, particularly the full hour I had today then things are definitely slowing down. But don’t fret! All of our donors (especially our monthly ones) are Rockin’ & Rollin’ all in the name of "service and I couldn’t be any more grateful or appreciative for all the work you do. I know I can’t thank each and every one of you personally but please know that I have attached an electronic hug to this column. J

The Food Pantry Committee’s 2^nd Annual Soup Supper was held January 27^th. On the menu were Vegetable, Cheddar Cheese and Broccoli, and Chicken Noodle Soup. We had a Silent Auction and early attendees received a free ceramic bowl made and donated by some wonderful local students. A huge THANK YOU goes out to all involved and we hope to see even more people at next year’s event.

You have the opportunity to donate free rice through the United Nations. Go to http://www.freerice.com. Play the vocabulary game. For each word you get right, they donate 20 grains of rice to the United Nations World Food Program.

In closing, I hope this New Year is both kind and generous to all those in need no mater what those needs are. And as my mother would say, "See you next time – I hope".