Dear friends and family,

Last year, shortly before Christmas, my younger brother, Craig, and his daughter, Mollie, were put in a difficult situation which left them with virtually nothing.  In a period of three days, we (my roommate and I), thanks to many of you, were able to raise about $1,000 and two suitcases full of clothing, food, blankets, baby items, and hygiene items for me to take to Washington for them.  This was primarily done just by asking for spare change!

I am happy to say that because of the help Craig received, he was able to purchase a reliable vehicle which enabled him to make the commute to his job, so he could provide for himself and his daughter.  He now is living in his own place with a roommate and was accepted and has started an electrician apprenticeship program.  This probably would not have been possible without the help he received last winter.

When Craig was finally in a more stable situation, he called me and told me about how he wanted to give back.  That thought has stuck with me, and my roommate, Shannon, and I decided that we want to do it again this year.  For a long time, we weren't sure who in particular we wanted to raise money for.  Then, a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit the LDS Church's Humanitarian Aid Center in Salt Lake and felt I knew where our money ought to go this year.  Shannon and I have decided that we are going to raise money this year to purchase and assemble humanitarian aid kits for the Humanitarian Aid Center.  These kits will then be distributed across the world, wherever they may be needed.

If any of you are interested in contributing, whether through money donations, specific items for the kits, or in time to help us assemble the kits, please let me know.

We would greatly appreciate any contributions to help us in this effort!

Thanks!