THANKSGIVING OFFERING

	A video was prepared for the annual Community wide Thanksgiving service at First Baptist Church. Jeff and Scott Sledd worked many hours to film and edit the video. A big thanks to both of them. The Thanksgiving offering was $2,247.85 and very timely as we had 197 families signed up for Thanksgiving boxes with turkeys.
On December 20th we prepared for 204 families who signed up for the Christmas boxes with turkeys and toys that we distributed on that day.

THE CARDBOARD BRIGADE GROWS

     Twenty three businesses around town are saving cardboard for ORI. Two more men have joined helping to pick it up: George Meadows and Bill Young! If you know a business that would be willing to donate their cardboard to us, please give Joe Bob Croley a call.

Two Thousand Three Hundred Fifty Five Volunteer Hours

     The last quarter has been the most fulfilling and at the same time the most challenging. ORI has experienced growing pains but all is well. As I look back over the year I am very thankful for the many men and women who volunteer week after week to help us. I thought I would introduce some of them to you. The voice behind "What's Up in Cleveland" on our Radio Station is Billy Ray Redus. Billy is a Harris County Deputy Sheriff who has conquered the daily logs and software to keep 105.3 on the air.

     Four individuals interview at the food pantry every week. They are Julian Kowis a Houston Fireman who manages to have one day a week off. Vance Stiles is retired and a professional Bass Fisherman, Bob and Marian Kimm used to volunteer at Interfaith and have a wealth of wisdon and Jean McAdams not only interviews one day a week at the pantry, she volunteered at the Thrift Shop too!

     In addition, these fine men and women volunteered during 2004 at ORI: Dianne Redus, Lonnie Smith, Mary Graham, Sandra Alvarado, Gudalope Godinez, Roma Vick, Vicky Furlow, Donna Hoffman, Shawn Warner, Marie Carter, Barbara Davis, John Davis, Bill Young, Val Simmons, Rev. Paul Kahan, Doris Smith, Brenda Groaning, Gloria and Jorge Lopez, Weesie Wellborn, Sherilyn Stowe, Kathy Farmham, Tonya Kowis, Letticia Rameriz, Patricia McCown, Pam Smith, Judy and Jim Cornelius, Jennifer McCain, Susie Stephens, Jennifer McManus, Stephanie Hoff, Alicia Oquri, Mary Ann Evans, Fern Morrow, Ed Thompson, Clyde and Johnie Covey, Claude and Micky McCleod, Leonard and Sheila Cunningham and my husband Pastor Bob White! A huge thank you to each of you!!!

Frieda White

CHAMBER BOARD

Photo by Glen Dodson Jan 21, 2005

     One of Anderson's first official duties as president of Chamber board of directors was to award a very surprised Frieda White with a plaque honoring White as Citizen of the Year. White was selected for the title based on her community involvement and her tireless advocacy of the disadvantaged in the Cleveland area. White is the executive director of Operation Refuge, Inc. and also takes leadership of ORI's radio station, KORG at 105.3 FM, as well as ORI's Thrift Shop on Houston Street.

Food Pantry

     Northside and Southside Elementary Schools and the Administration Offices conducted non perishable food drives as well as Austin Memorial Library and Vision Video for the Food Pantry.

Radio Station

     The daily program has a fresh new look. A word of special thanks to Peggy Dunn, Barbara Toler, Linda Whitener, Dwain Forester, Joshua Good and Billy Redus for their help with the music. A special note of thanks to Jason Bennett in Oklahoma for the many hours spent filing applications, consultations and help.

     There is a new program at 7 a.m. noon, and 5 p.m. called "What's Up in Cleveland". It has a daily devotional, community, school, and church news. To find out local news you can tune in Monday through Friday.

     We are very thankful for our new sponsor of the radio station. Glen and Barbara Toler, Pace/Stancil Funeral Homes, The Ark Christian Book Store/Teacher's Supply and Alma's Florist are the ones making this station possible. If you enjoy listening to the new inspiration station, please let them know how much you appreciate the new KORG, 105.3 FM radio.

Quarterly Statistics
2005
View 2004