To all of the Good People of Messiah, 

I want to thank all of you for your amazing kindness, generosity and good old Christian Love, for your recent response to the request to help out the Food Pantry and Clothes Closet at Columbia River High School. 

Your response was truly wonderful, amazing and a perfect example of living out the directives of Jesus to take care of our neighbors, especially families and children in need. The coordinator of the Pantry and Closet, Ms. Echo Prince- Moran, asked me to share with you these statements from River staff and students: 

From staff members: 

"Thank you for your generous contribution! It means so much to the families at River." 

"Your contributions to our students have made such a difference in their lives. I've noticed many of my students can focus better in class because they have food in their bellies. Thank you so much for all you do". 

"Thank you for your generosity to our students here at CRHS. It helps students in all areas; their emotional, physical and mental states are better when they have food and know they can access food at home." 

"I took a student to the care closet and we discovered the shelves were full. This student needed a new hoody sweatshirt, the student was very humble and wanted to refuse the sweatshirt even though the one he was wearing for a number of years was falling apart." 

"Students who have dietary restrictions and may not be able to eat school lunch are creative with Top Ramen, by smashing the noodles and pouring in the spices and eating them dry. Students are pleased to see school supplies so that they are able to be like other students and have notebooks and pens." 

"Sometimes our students find themselves in difficult situations and we greatly appreciate your donations that help us. Without your donations, it would be so much more challenging to provide support!"

 From students: 

"Thank you so much. I feel like I get to go grocery shopping now. I can't wait until I get home and can have a feast with my family!" 

"I've been eating noodles and mac and cheese for the last week so it's really cool that I can go home and make some other stuff." 

"My mom just lost her job so we're really struggling. This is so helpful. Thank you." 

I am so honored and thankful to be a member of Messiah Lutheran Church. We are the people who make significant differences in the lives of so many people. 

Peace and Love,

Steve Friebel