Dear Editor: Last January, Donise Dillard found herself holding one small toy. Turning the toy over and over in her hands, she found herself in deep thought, asking herself, "How can I make this one toy make a difference?" Though the answer didn't come immediately, within days Dillard's vision to make a difference started to take shape. With strategically placed phone calls to organizations around the country, including the United States Marine Corp, her desire to help children turned into a room overflowing with literally thousands and thousands of new toys. On Dec. 22 she had a roomful of Santa's helpers who were able to deliver the toys to the organization One Thousand Children in the Phoenix area. With a desire to serve others in a selfless manner, Dillard got several of her friends together and, between them, they devised a community outreach program that welcomed the parents of One Thousand Children to Living By The Word Family Church in Chandler. Starting at 9:30 a.m., and within a two-hour period of time, enough brand new toys were handed out to make Christmas morning special for One Thousand Children. These children received a minimum of three brand new toys (designed specifically for their gender and age group). It was a privilege, and an unexpected opportunity to witness, firsthand, how one woman can make a difference. Local heroes such as Donise Dillard are to be celebrated at every opportunity. Thank you, Donise. Your dream to make a difference has come true. There is a Santa Claus and she lives in Arizona. Cindy Samuelson
Loop 202 - Jim Jochim Interview read more
PARC Treasurer Jim Jochim sits down with Allison Hurtado to discuss the Phoenix Loop 202 project at the Ahwatukee Foothills News office on Monday, May 13, 2013.
