It was only six months ago when a small charity called New Directions Community Outreach was struggling to survive. A tiny band of volunteers was working hard to provide school supplies, scholarships, food and clothing to homeless families in Seminole County — but promises from a major supporter failed to materialize.
Then Debra Thomas — New Direction’s founder and once homeless herself — told her story in the Sentinel. And the community rallied to her rescue.
Thousands of dollars in donations poured in to help Thomas fuel her scholarship fund, provide Thanksgiving dinners, and even offer down-payment assistance to families so they could become homeowners.
To avoid any trouble this year, Thomas is starting extra early with New Direction’s backpack and school supply drive and its “No Dream Is Impossible” scholarship fund. She is looking for monetary donations, supplies for the classroom, backpacks and canned goods so that students can take home donated food during the summer.
Thomas also needs volunteers for the school year and summer, people willing to sponsor a family, and clothes, shoes and socks for children.
If you can help, contact Thomas at 407-690-9343 or 407-265-2396 or Shamek Thompson at 917-837-2439. Donations also can be sent to the organization’s office at 108 Forest Ave. in Altamonte Springs (32708.)
