I write on behalf of the staff, board and families of Lake Family Resource Center to express our heartfelt thanks to the Lake County community for its support over the holiday season.

We have been astounded by the support and generosity demonstrated through donations of food, toys, clothing, furniture, money, gift certificates and time over the past couple months.

Our agency, like many, is experiencing challenges meeting increased need of families due to the current economy.

More families need more assistance meeting basic needs this year – and as a result of the spirit of this community, we were able to assist families in need over the holidays as well as a couple organizations who were, themselves, facing challenges.

I beg your indulgence to list the many organizations and individuals (in no particular order) that assisted us with donations this year – the list is long, but truly inspiring. If I have inadvertently missed a donor or two, I hope you will forgive me and know that your gift(s) are truly appreciated.

Many local residents and organizations, whom we will acknowledge privately, also gave generous monetary donations.

Toys: St. Helena Hospital Clearlake, No Name Car Club, Donna Thomas, Clearlake City Hall, Chase Bank, Beckstoffer Vineyards, Tire Pros, Riviera Heights Homeowners Association, Stephen and Stephanie Riave, Elks Lodge, Calpine, Sutter Lakeside Hospital, Mike Thompson’s Toys for Kids, Grace Evangelical Free Church, Paul and Barbara Breunig, Clear Lake Road Riders of Lake County, Operation Tango Mike, Lake County Theatre Co., Cheryl Ramcourt, Lake County Office of Education Healthy Start, Ladies of the Knights of Columbus, Lake County Sewing Circle, ABATE and many anonymous donors.

Food, personal necessities and/or clothing: Delta Iota Tau, Joy and Skip Davis, Marty and Ed Gieb, Sandra Ross, George Mastorakis, Stephen and Stephanie Riave, Lake County Theatre Co., St. Helena Hospital Clearlake, Mendo Lake Credit Union, Strong Financial Services, Buckingham Ladies, Bethany Rose, Galilee Lutheran Church, Laurie Daly, Roger and Maria Hill, Judy Luchsinger, Lake County Doll Club, Virginia T. Wiest, Grocery Outlet, Mary Borjon, Connie Burnes, Maria’s Midnight Rides and many anonymous donors.

There were many warm, wonderful moments this holiday season – a favorite was when we opened a Christmas card from a former program participant with a gift card to a local market and thanks for assisting them in a time of need. That is definitely paying it forward.

Lake Family Resource Center thanks you all from the bottom of our hearts; we are so proud to serve this community and work with you to improve our little corner of the world. Thank you.

Gloria Flaherty is executive director of the Lake County Family Resource Center, based in Kelseyville, Calif.