By Friends of Coal Ladies Auxiliary

January 15, 2018 - The year 2018 is here and it is time to look back on 2017 to see if the Friends of Coal Ladies Auxiliary (FOCLA) made a difference — that is our goal.

Recently FOCLA invited children to come have their picture made with Santa, free of charge. Among those attending were the children of the women being housed at the Women’s Resource Center. Hearing a little girl tell Santa, “I don’t want anything you hold. I just want life to be better for me and mom.” If only for the moment, this little girl had hope. Seeing Santa; getting a little gift, and forgetting, if only for a short time, her chaotic life.

The FOCLA also made Christmas possible for deployed service families as well as those less fortunate by providing toys, pajamas, clothing and food for all the family members.

The Ladies recently received a letter from SFC Monica Willis. She says, “I am a soldier (33 years) that’s deploying soon. I haven’t been able to work (she is a substitute teacher, also) because I broke my foot. I was very sad because Christmas was coming, the bills are coming and I felt helpless. The food box was amazing. The jacket you sent for my grandson was so needed. He loved the pajamas. My heart will always be for the coal industry.”

Yes, the Friends of Coal Ladies Auxiliary has made a difference. It has not been easy in this coal economy, but it has been well worth it, and the FOCLA plans to keep making a difference to those in need. Go to friendsofcoalladies.com and order your official Friends of Coal merchandise so that you can help the FOCLA continue to make a difference. Looking forward to 2018!