The following is a parent's letter to Dolores Swavely, Director of The Children's Center.

Dear Mrs. Dolores:

I just want to thank you for all that you have done for me and my children.   I am so very grateful for these couple of years that you have brightened up our holidays.  

I know that everything that comes to us are donations from people of the community and from local companies, but it is  you that makes it possible, and it is you that has kept my children and I in your heart and thoughts.

You know, Dolores, there are times that I find myself struggling so much that I just feel like giving up.   For example, last Christmas I thought to myself, “Christmas tree, what for?   If I buy a Christmas tree, I won’t have any money for the gifts, and if I buy the gifts I won’t have enough money to buy a tree to put them under.”

I was just feeling so negative, and the holiday spirit was the last thing I had in me, but you and all of VOA staff changed my way of feeling.   All I really had to do was walk into that daycare center and there was enough spirit that could fill my soul and anyone else who needed it.   The children fill the place with wonderful Christmas drawings, crafts, ornaments, and the tree next to your office with the ornaments made by the children really did it for me too.   Then came all the wonderful gifts and that really topped it, because my children were so happy and when I see my children full of joy and happiness, that is all I need.

Dolores, not only have you helped out on the holidays.   You have also been there for my children and I when I have found myself lost, as a person and as a mother.

Thank you for letting me feel comfortable to come to you and ask you, “Hey, what the heck am I doing wrong?” or “What should I do about this or what should I do about that?”

Of course, you always reassure me that I’m doing fine or you always give me the best suggestion on how to do whatever I am concerned about, and that really means a whole lot to me.

Thank you, Dolores; thank you because, believe it or not, you have saved me in many ways and you have touched my life in many more.

Forever Thankful,

Emil Solla