R.I.C.H. House

     RICH House is an after-school program in Sulphur Springs, a community in the northeast part of the City of Tampa. The after-school program was started by Debbie Boles, a sherriff's deputy in the Tampa Police Department. We were made aware of the need through Cyndy Miller, a regular attender of worship services at Bayshore. This past Christmas we provided toys for the RICH House. Below is a report on what our church gave and a thank you from the RICH House and Cyndy and Lewis Miller.

 

Bayshore Baptist Church members contributed 225 toys, 24 mom gifts, and many smaller items and books. Five-hundred Beanie Babies were given away as party favors for Christmas. Some of these will be the start of our Easter baskets as well. Cash and checks totaled $1,350. We used the cash to purchase 29 additional toys, mom gifts, and gift bags. We gave Debbie Boles $730 in a check for RICH House needs. Many toys were also delivered on the day of the party, but with all of the activity of the day of the party, I was not able to get a count. These toys were used for mothers to select toys for their children on the Sunday before Christmas, so that even if a child was not at the party the mothers were able to have help.

With the assistance of other partners, four hundred children were able to have a hot lunch, see Santa Claus, and receive a toy and Beanie Baby at the party. Many more were served on the Sunday before Christmas. Thank you!

                                                                         --Cyndy and Lewis Miller, January 25, 2008