By Angela R. Lewis
“To Whom much is given, much is required” is a quote that often is stated to inspire people to give to those less fortunate than themselves. A well-known pillar of the Coral Springs Community and tireless advocate for the Homeless Assistance Center, Dr. Bessie W. Cristwell is very aware of the current needs during this season of giving. Dr. Cristwell works with the Coral Springs community to collect items for the Broward Partnership a non-profit 501(c) (3) Homeless Assistance Center. Through Dr. Cristwell’s initiative and efforts, this endeavor has gathered support from several areas of north Broward County.
Each year the effort to assist the Broward Partnership Homeless Assistance Center seems to grow as more groups get inspired to act and spread the joy during this holiday season. This year various organizations, schools, sports teams, clubs, neighbors, and selfless individuals made the effort to take a step to ensure the holiday would be a lot more special for those in need. Some schools and organizations have committed to extend their effort beyond the holiday season and assist in this effort for January and February as well.
Dr. Bessie Cristwell and Pattie Wesley, both members of the North Broward County Chapter of The Links Inc., are truly blessed that so many people from their organization have come together yet again in support of donating basic essential items to homeless individuals and families during the holiday season that spans from November to January just when caring and support are needed most.
The collection efforts also began in Mid-November where students from several schools in the Coral Springs/Pompano Beach area were provided with service hours for making posters, donating, and organizing the collections of gifts and packaging up the donations for distribution and transport to the center. Some of the participating schools and groups are the Coral Glades High School Chapter of the Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders (MTL) group and the National Honor Society led by their coordinator Angela R. Lewis with the mentors, JP Taravella High School Key Club participants with advisor Kathy Fitzgerald, Interact Club assisted, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High Elizabeth Arata, Coral Springs Charter Student Government Association with advisor Kelly O’Neil and President Kaitlyn O’Neill along with participants from SGA. Once again, the students will continue their efforts throughout the beginning of the year by bringing donated essential items to the annual MLK: “A Day On, Not a Day Off” program in January for the Homeless Assistance Center. The students have developed empathy and compassion for those who are less fortunate as well as a sense of social responsibility. It also provides the students with an opportunity to learn about the challenges faced by the homeless population and how to share with all members of the community.
Other notable donations from several groups and individuals include Abundant Life Church, Joyce McCollin, Melinda Robbins, and the Coral Springs MLK Committee. These organizations and individuals have made significant donations to the BPHAC. Ms. Isabella Preble from Broward Partnership graciously thanks the students and staff who worked together to donate hundreds of gifts to the Giving Tree. It truly warms our hearts to see the outreach grow to include many new community partners.
