YOL: Compassion motivates attendees to give Published Dec. 30, 2008 By Jennifer Thibault Air Force Space Command, Public Affairs COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- More than 100 federal employees from organizations across the Front Range spread holiday cheer and compassion through the annual holiday luncheon recently. This is the 12th year of the holiday luncheon that started as a holiday ornament exchange and morphed into a festive way to help those in need. The timing of the lunch couldn't have been better as compassion is December's theme for the Year of Leadership. It was easy to see the compassion of the attendees as tables were stacked with donated items. "We've done something really special here today ... you can see and feel the compassion and giving," said this year's lead Angie Guerrero, Air Force Space Command commander's secretary. The attendees donated more than $800 in addition to 160 packages of diapers, 30 items of formula or food, 34 gifts of toys and much more. Although the event is a jovial one filled with social chatter and holiday attire, the cause is serious. The donations are given to the Life Support Center that provides material goods, support, information and referral and case management to pregnant women and families with young children. This past year the Life Support Center served a total of 2,036 client families that included more than 4,900 children, according to Maryann Stadjuhar, director of Marian House Emergency and Transition Services. "Since many people came back for additional services the duplicated count was 6,373 clients and 18,962 children. These numbers are a 4.5 percent increase from last year but the duplicate count is a 28 percent increase," said Stadjuhar. This year's increased financial constraints have generated a greater need for help. "Many people who have been able to make it are now struggling," said Stadjuhar. "We can't and don't do this alone." Although the center works with the families, it's the support, donations and prayers from groups like yours that enable us to serve the families that come to us, said Stadjuhar. After Stadjuhar's comments, the attendees continued to celebrate their break from the office and the pending holiday. Door prizes were awarded, including coveted handmade wreaths and holiday candles, all donated from the attendees as well. From first-time attendees to those that attend each year, "this is a real treat for everyone," said Victoria Poole, executive assistant to the director of AFSPC Plans and Programs. As the holidays approach, organizers had a final message for the group. "It is clear that this is a room filled with people with big hearts," said Guerrero. "I ask that you continue to think of others that are less fortunate than us and continue to show them the compassion you showed here today." More information about the Life Support Center is availableat www.ccharitiescs.org.