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For Struggling Family, The Greatest Gift Is Hope

News Channel 8 photo by KATY HENNIG

Lisa Simmons and her 4-year-old daughter Aliyah play with the learning laptop that Aliyah received as a Christmas gift this morning. Aliyah and her parents have been living at Metropolitan Ministries for about four months while they get back on their feet.

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By KATIE CORONADO

kcoronado@WFLA.com

Published: December 25, 2008

Hundreds of struggling families from around the Bay Area came together at Metropolitan Ministries to have a hot meal on this Christmas Day.

"Have faith, have hope, just keep praying" -- that's what Lisa Simmons said allows her have such a positive outlook despite her family's recent struggles.

"We lost our jobs, and then they started eviction process," Simmons said.

Simmons, her 4-year-old daughter Aliyah and Aliyah's father, Morrius Bleau, have been living at Metropolitan Ministries for about four months.

Simons said so far she's been lucky to find a part-time job. She says she's trying to save money so she and her family can get back on their feet.

Two days ago, Simmons and her family received an early Christmas present: a new job in the health care industry.

Simmons said she's spending this holiday with her family and enjoying a hot meal.

Aliyah is also grateful. She received a learning laptop and a big dollhouse this Christmas.

Metropolitan Ministries opened their doors to anyone who needed a place to have a Christmas meal.
The food prepping started about three to four days ago, and on Christmas Day, staff and volunteers started at 3 a.m.

It took about 100 volunteers to accomplish the traditional holiday meal that served hundreds of struggling families from around the Bay area.

Ana Mendez, spokesperson for Metropolitan Ministries said despite the scarce donations this year, the organization pulled through and met its goal of feeding and giving gifts to about 24,000 people.

"The goal is for families and individuals to walk away knowing somebody is there for them and cares for them and for them to be able to have a meal together without any worries," says Mendez.

Something that's given hundreds of families hope for the future.

"It's going to be a brand new year," Simmons said.

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