Operation Christmas Cheer: Answering a cry for help
Kathy Lefler’s struggles began at a young age. Dealing with an abusive father at home, she turned to drugs and alcohol for comfort. She was able to get clean after a few years, but fell back into addiction after her mother survived an attempted murder by a family member. She has now been sober for two years.
Years ago, Lefler’s life changed when she walked into a Salvation Army and admitted she needed help. Through the organization’s food banks, housing assistance and faith-based approach, Lefler was able to turn her life around and give back to others who are in situations she used to be in.
Lefler’s story is similar to those who have been helped by Operation Christmas Cheer, a fundraising project sponsored by 1st Capital Bank, The Herald and the Salvation Army. It aims to help local individuals and families who find themselves in need this time of year. Since 1985, it has raised more than $2.6 million, which has been distributed in various forms to needy Monterey County families and individuals during the holidays.
When Lefler was living in San Francisco, she turned to the Salvation Army for the first time and received support through the Adopt-A-Family program.
Lefler and her boyfriend were homeless and made their way to the Monterey Peninsula. They utilized the Sabu Shake, Sr. Good Samaritan Center in Sand City to get warm meals and showers and six years ago were eventually able to get back on their feet.
“Since I quit drinking and started going to church, my life has turned back around,” she said. Lefler has enjoyed attending church at the nonprofit’s chapel on Contra Costa Street in Seaside. “We get to share stories and talk with other people, so it’s been really nice.”
Now, Lefler volunteers with the church – her favorite aspect of the organization. “It’s like my second family now. It’s beautiful,” she said. “It’s amazing what just a few new people in your life can do.”
Not only did the church and the Salvation Army help Lefler get back on her feet, but they supported her through some of her toughest times. Last year, Lefler’s boyfriend died. “He was a good influence on me,” she said.
Volunteers and the previous Monterey Peninsula Corps administrators put together a celebration of life for Lefler’s partner. “The church was here for me,” she said.
The love and support she’s received from the organization has helped keep Lefler on the track she believes she was meant to be on. “Being that I was in the situation, I have empathy (and) can help other people to get through it,” she said. She now volunteers with the same church that has helped her through so much.
While it can be difficult to see herself in others who come through the Salvation Army’s doors, “I just put it in my heart, ask God for His guidance and just do it.”
According to Lefler, she understands that being in a bad situation for a long time can take away an individual’s faith that a better future is ahead. Her advice to others in similar situations to the one she was in is “just to hold on and hope.” She emphasizes that everything people might need is available to them through the Salvation Army. “It’s just knowing where to go and how to ask.”
The Peninsula’s giving spirit is a beacon of Lefler’s own hope. She has seen firsthand the generosity of the community. “Even the small things make such a big difference in (people’s) lives,” said Lefler. “It doesn’t take a lot: just kindness.”
Gifts with messagesJamie & Pete Bundy: In loving memory of Cynthia & Norman Martella, $250Carmel Chapter #282 OES: In memory of Bee Little beloved member of Carmel Chapter #282 OES, $250Michael Amodt: In memory of Len and Betsy Amodt, $200Dave Whipple: In honor of Sharon Blaziek who gave so much, $100Phyllis Jones & Heather Bakich: In memory of Nat Jones husband, father & greatly missed, $100Jean Rasch: Thank you, District 3 voters for electing me to Monterey City CouncilKeith & Meredith Standiford: Best wishes, $50Roberta Little: In memory of Sioux Scott, Cannery Row entertainer who loved celebrating Christmas, $25Cristina Manuguerra: Memory of family, Diego & Francesca Arancio, Joe & Cristina Manuguerra, Vitinat Joe Pironi, Suzanne & Jacoban, $10Gifts without a messageSuzanne & Todd Schmidt, $100Anne Ursino, $100Skip & Liz Lord, $100Dr & Mrs George Penn, $100Charles Hays, $50Anonymous gifts with messageFrom the Angel’s, $500In memory of Russ, LaVonne and Suzy, $300In fond memory of Pete Petit, bell ringer extraordinaire, $300Christmas love & peace to all, $200Happy Christmas Joyce & Geoff, $100Prayers abound for world peace! $100God bless you for doing this, $100Merry Christmas! $100Missing Ruthie, Ginny & Barbie, $100Wishing everyone a season of peace, love & joy, $100Peace on Earth…no Really! $50Remembering Mac with love, $50Danny, $25Anonymous gifts without message$7,300
