Jim:
Recently my husband, Harry, ran into Bob Reese at the Scripps Ranch Library. They struck up a
conversation, and Bob invited us to his home that weekend to see the hand-crafted toys that were made
by the San Diego Fine Woodworkers' Association members. Upon arrival at Bob's home and viewing the
hand-crafted cars, trucks, doll beds, high chairs, etc. for children that were available for donation to
Hidden Valley House, I couldn't believe our good fortune. Bob helped us carry out 50+ toys to my car for
distribution at the shelter. We understood that some of the toys could be outright gifts to a child and
others were to remain at the shelter for future children to enjoy.
The generosity, time, talent and expertise of your members in making these durable wooden toys and
donating them to children in need is highly commendable. We accepted the generous donation of these
toys from Bob, and they were hand delivered to the shelter the following week. I spoke to the Shelter
Manager, Carmen Maldonado, on Monday and explained about the donation and the philanthropic work
done by your Association and its members. She was very appreciative of your gift and asked me to
convey her thanks to you!
Hidden Valley House is a safe haven for woman and children who suffer from domestic abuse. Often
times they leave their homes with nothing but the clothes on their back. Hidden Valley House provides
shelter, food, clothing, counseling, and other services as needed to support these women and their
children until they can find an alternative safe environment. Some are there only a couple of
days...others stay a month or longer.
Hidden Valley House Auxiliary, of which I'm a member, has been in exsistence for over 10 years and is
dedicated to providing additional support to the shelter as needed. We raise money once a year through
our annual High Tea in Scripps Ranch, and the funds are used for various needs for the shelter. Funds
we've risen have gone for new roofs, new beds, school supplies, Christmas Bags of goodies for the Moms
at the holidays, food and numerous other items...too many to mention. You can find out more about our
organization by reading the Scripps Ranch Newsletter each month.
Bob asked if Hidden Valley House might have a need for a small table/4 chairs for the children. When I
spoke to Carmen, she said that sounded like a great idea, as they have a Children's Room set aside just for
the children in which to play. Bob showed me one he'd made for his own grandchildren. It looked the
perfect size for toddlers. But I was also thinking, if possible, Hidden Valley House might benefit from a
table a little larger as well. Maybe the size for ages 5 to 7 or 8. A little larger in dimension, and a little
taller than the one he'd shown me.
Jim, I don't know if this request is possible in the grand scheme of things. If not, due to all your other
commitments that is certainly understandable. We sincerely appreciate the recent donation and wanted
to take this opportunity to say "A BIG THANK YOU" to you and all your members for the good work you
are doing.
Thank you for thinking of us!
Pam Kay
Hidden Valley House Auxiliary Member
619-862-1582 (cell)