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Dear friends,
Years ago, I purchased a book called, The Christmas Story, to read to my son so he would always know the true meaning of Christmas. Every year I get the book out and place it under the Christmas tree and reflect on how that first Christmas story has impacted my life and how the true spirit of love and giving has been demonstrated through my life throughout the year. I’m so blessed that you have been a part of the Pure story this year through your prayers, time and talents, financial support and encouragement.
Last week, I presented our program to more than 500 tenth graders at Jeff High. After one of my classes, a young lady broke through the crowd of students as they were leaving the room and said, “I just wanted to say, Thank You.” I don’t know her story, but that’s okay. The students we see are all coming from different backgrounds with different experiences. If there is one thing, I’ve learned through this experience, is that we can never assume that all students are in the same place or judge a student for what they’ve experienced. We provide a fresh start to some.
This fall an elementary student approached Sandy following her class presentation on child sexual abuse prevention and wanted her to bend down, so she could whisper something in her ear. As she knelt by her side, the little girl said softly, “thank you for coming to tell us this today.” We don’t know her story, but we know we touched her heart in some way. Maybe now she knows there is help for her.
After the classes at Charlestown High School a young man came to ask me how long we’ve been doing this. I shared with him 7 years and he said, “You are going to impact a lot of people because you have really impacted my life for the better.” I don’t know the rest of his story. We don’t always get to see immediate results or know what our words accomplish.
This year our story has been full of surprises! The requests for our program have grown exponentially and we are thrilled to be reaching more students. This increase provides a greater and more immediate impact on transforming our communities to create a new culture of sexual integrity and respect for life.
We wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and thank you for your faithful support to reach these students. If you wish to continue to be a part of the story, you can give your special Christmas gift online at www.connect2pure.com or by mailing your gift to Pure, P.O. Box 2083, Clarksville, IN 47129-2083. You may want to give your gift in memory or honor of an individual and we will acknowledge your gift (with no dollar amount) to that individual. Just provide the name and address with your gift.
Thank you so much and have a blessed Christmas and New Year,
Shari McCutcheon
Director, Pure Initiative
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